Protecting against wildlife crime

Many people think, quite wrongly, that because London is mainly urban, it does not suffer from wildlife crime. Not only does the Metropolitan Police District include country areas with large wildlife populations but animals and animal related crime are also found throughout urban areas. It is a good idea to be aware of the issues so that you can:

  • Help to protect animals by providing information that could help to catch criminals
  • Ensure you don't unwittingly become involved in crime

Types of crime

Wildlife crime takes many forms, from people shooting at birds with air guns in the local park to the more organised crimes of badger baiting and the trade in endangered species.

Endangered species

The international trade in rare animals and their parts and by-products is a major threat to many species. We know that trade goes on in Britain and in the London area Metropolitan Police Wildlife Officers have found ivory, reptile skins and even an endangered species of tropical fish being offered for sale.

The next time you hear of the tiger, elephant or rhinoceros being threatened with extinction, remember it is not just a problem for other countries. There are people here in London who are directly threatening the survival of these and others of the world's rarest animals.

Many items made from endangered species are sold to tourists as holiday souvenirs. By buying these items you may be threatening the survival of the local wildlife. You may also risk having your goods seized by HM Customs and Excise when you return home.

It is sometimes difficult to tell which wildlife products are illegal to take home. However elephant ivory, spotted cat furs and sea turtle products are among the more obvious illegal items.

To help endangered species:

  • Be very careful when buying items made from reptile skins or coral as the trade in many of these species is also prohibited or may require special permits. It is also best not to buy live plants, birds or animals.
  • Remember, if you are in any doubt, DO NOT BUY!
  • If you see any of these items being offered for sale in Britain, tell the police.
  • If you have any information on wildlife crime please contact your local police.
  • If you know of anybody who is committing crimes against wildlife, please phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Your call is free. You don't have to give your name, and your call could earn you a cash reward.

Badger crime

The badger is one of Britain's best loved wild animals. It is common in Southern England and the estimated population within the Metropolitan Police District is in the thousands. Every badger and every sett is protected by law. Nevertheless, badgers are threatened by illegal snaring, poisoning and particularly the activities of badger baiters who dig them from their setts before taking them to fight with dogs.

More information about badger crime

Badger groups play a vital role in protecting badgers. They are made up of volunteers who work with the police and the RSPCA to enforce the laws protecting badgers. In some areas they have even built artificial setts that are "digger proof". If you would like to join your local group, please contact:

The National Federation of Badger Groups
2 Cloisters Business Centre
8 Battersea Park Road
London
SW8 4BG.
badgers.org.uk

If you see people with digging equipment and dogs in an area where badgers live, do not approach them but note the registration number of any vehicle nearby and telephone the local police immediately.

Bird crime

There is a trade in illegally caught wild birds, both in the UK and internationally. With few exceptions it is an offence to be in possession of a British wild bird unless it has been bred in captivity, in which case it will wear a special ring. Birds of prey are particularly sought after and every year cases come to court where people are accused of taking birds from the wild, taking eggs, shooting, trapping or poisoning birds. Unlike many wild mammals, the vast majority of British wild birds are specifically protected by law but, again, large sums of money are involved and a flourishing illegal market exists.

More information about crime against birds

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), with one million members, is the largest conservation organisation protecting birds in Britain. The RSPB owns and manages many nature reserves throughout the country and has a number of local members groups in the London area.

RSPB officers work closely with police wildlife officers and provide expert advice and assistance in cases of bird crime. If you want to know more about the laws protecting birds in Britain, the RSPB publishes a more detailed guide "Wild Birds and the Law."

For more information you can contact:

RSPB
The Lodge
Sandy
Bedfordshire
SG19 2DL
rspb.org.uk

Crime Prevention