Rural and wildlife criminal activity officers in Staffordshire are getting in touch with the general public to be alert as part of an joint yearly operation to deal with the issue.
The officers desire members of the general public to report any behaviour that recommends that nests of wild birds are being hindered, birds are being hurt or eggs are being taken.
The practise has actually been prohibited for lots of years under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which specifies that all wild birds, their nests and eggs are safeguarded types. However, culprits are still targeting uncommon breeding birds.
Operation Easter, co-ordinated by the National Wildlife Crime Unit, is focused on taking on the issue by sharing intelligence with other forces and supporting enforcement action.
Detective Inspector Tim Boulton, of Staffordshire Police rural and wildlife criminal activity system, said: “We have a great and varied number of birds in the county and we have identified a number of hotspot areas where crimes may be committed.
“Officers are working with local partners, such as wildlife groups and nest watch schemes, to ensure that these areas are given the attention they need in order to protect the future of our wild birds.
“We are asking members of the public to let us know if they see people interfering with nests or taking eggs. Where possible, record what you see – as it may be useful evidence, but please do not put yourself in any danger doing so.”
Anyone with info about egg burglars or those who disrupt uncommon nesting birds without a licence need to get in touch with the system by reporting online or by telephoning 101.
