Perth & Kinross Local Area Commander’s Bulletin

by | Feb 2, 2023 | PKC Notice

WILDLIFE CRIME

Wildlife Crime is any illegal act in Scotland affecting certain birds, animals, and plants including their habitats. It includes the illegal disturbance, destruction, theft, and sale of animals and plants both in the countryside and urban areas, and also the damage and destruction of protected habitats. Wildlife Crime poses significant harm to the species targeted by the criminals, as well as the communities who rely on wildlife for employment and tourism.

Some examples of types of Wildlife Crime include:

  • Damage to Sites of Special Scientific Interest
  • The disturbance of sea mammals
  • Illegal use of traps and snares
  • Illegal cockle picking
  • Removal of birds nests from the eves of houses at certain times of the year.

There are currently seven specific Wildlife Crime Priorities in Scotland and the UK.

1.    Bat Crime

2.    Badger Persecution

3.    Raptor (Birds of Prey) Persecution

4.    Freshwater Pearl Mussels Persecution

5.    CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) Issues

6.    Poaching

7.    7 Cyber Enabled Wildlife Crime

Although any officer can investigate wildlife crime, every Division in Police Scotland has a Wildlife Crime Liaison Officer and there is also a network of part-time Wildlife Crime Officers across the force.

These officers can be contacted to report a crime or to seek advice on wildlife crime matters. Call Police Scotland on 101 to report a wildlife crime or email us at Contactus@scotland.pnn.police.uk

If you suspect a wildlife crime is/has taken place

DO:

  • Report any suspicious activity as soon as possible to Police Scotland on 101 or 999 if it is an emergency, and ask to speak to a Wildlife Crime Officer if one is available
  • Take note of the date, time, and weather conditions
  • If possible, identify a map reference using the My Three Words app, or ideally a GPS reading of both the incident scene and location from where you witnessed the incident
  • Note a description of person/s involved including gender, age, height, clothing, etc.
  • Write down any vehicle registration numbers, make, model, and colour that may be involved
  • Identify other witnesses and obtain their name and contact details
  • If possible, video or photograph the scene, or make a rough sketch
  • Cover up any suspected poisoned baits or victims to prevent any animal or person from coming into contact with them.
  • Do report. Even if you are not sure – report the incident. The evidence of wildlife crime is not always obvious.

DO NOT:

  • Do not disturb the scene by moving items or walking about unnecessarily
  • Do not touch dead animals or birds, especially if you suspect that poison may have been used
  • Do not interfere with legal countryside practices such as the legal use of traps and snares, hides, high seats, and shooting butts.

NEVER:

  • Never approach suspects or intervene if you suspect someone is committing a wildlife crime – you may put yourself in danger.

The Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service also has a dedicated Wildlife and Environmental Crime Unit; working together we aim to ensure our officers are trained to the highest level to ensure thorough investigation and prosecution of wildlife crime.

More information on wildlife crime can be found at

https://www.scotland.police.uk/contact-us/report-wildlife-crime

UPDATES

A 55 year old male has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal for causing damage to a window of a moving taxi on Thursday 5th January 2023 within the area of Crieff.

A 69 year old male has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal on Friday 6th January 2023 in relation to careless driving incident which caused damage to a stone wall in Comrie Street, Crieff

During the last week 5 drivers have been found to be without insurance and 4 had no licence.

 

RECENT INCIDENTS

About 0255 hours, Wednesday 4th January 2023, a residential premises within Hewat Place, Perth were broken into and a vehicle key stolen.  The key was thereafter used to steal a White Honda CRV (CR/1006/23)

Between 8pm on Thursday 5th January and 9am on Friday 6th January 2023 a red Kia Ceed motor vehicle was damaged whilst parked at Stormont Street, Perth (CR/2134/23)

On Thursday 5th January 2023 at 1:30pm, a pedestrian was hit by the wing mirror of a moving motor vehicle whilst exiting a parked taxi on Rannoch Road, Perth.  The suspect vehicle is described as a small Suzuki SUV type motor vehicle with the driver described as white male, mid to late 60’s, short but medium build with stubble.  He was wearing a grey hooded anorak and black tracksuit bottoms.  (CR/2823/23)

Around 0100 hours, Saturday 7th January 2023, an attempt was made to gain entry to Perth Playhouse, Perth and damage caused to a window. Suspect is described as male, broad built, 5ft 8/9 inch, 17-20 years of age and wearing a long sleeve grey top, black body warmer, dark trousers, black boots, gloves and a hood up. (CR21415/23)

On Saturday 7th January 2023 at 6:30pm a male suspect has entered a property at Logie Crescent, Perth causing fear and alarm to the occupant.  The suspect is described as white male, 5ft 10, medium build and wearing a dark beanie hat, dark navy waterproof jacket and dark jeans. (CR/3009/23)

Between 12pm on Friday 6th January 2023 and 6:30 am on Saturday 7th January 2023 attempts were made to break into a summerhouse located within the rear garden of a property in Cottarshade, Blairgowrie (CR/2709/23)

Between 12noon on Saturday 7th January and 12noon on Sunday 8th January 2023 two half barrel planters were stolen from the side of the road on Perth Road, Abernethy (CR/3071/23)

About 2:15am on Sunday 8th January 2023 damage was caused to patio doors and a window of the Coffee Shop situated within Strathallan School, Forgandenny and money stolen from inside. Suspect one is described as a white male, 5ft, thin build and aged between 13 – 18 years of age, suspect two is described as white male, 5ft 3, thin build and aged between 12 – 18 years of age, suspect three is described as white male, 5ft 5, thin build and aged between 12 – 18 years of age, suspect four is white male, 5ft 8, thin build and aged between 12 – 18 years of age and suspect five is a white male, 5ft 8 and aged between 12 – 18 years. (CR/2759/23)

Anyone with any information that may be useful should contact Tayside Division on 101 or any police officer, quoting the crime reference number listed at each incident.  Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

 

Regards,

Tom Leonard, Chief Inspector                              

Local Area Commander, Perth and Kinross