This weekend, Rural Crime teams in Edinburgh, West Lothian and East Lothian will be intensifying their efforts to tackle the persecution of birds of prey, which is a criminal offence.
As part of Operation Owl, police are asking people who see a wildlife crime scene to ensure they accurately record information and report it to their local force.
Birds like peregrines, red kites and hen harriers are deliberately and relentlessly shot, trapped and poisoned in our countryside.
The purpose of Operation Owl is to increase public awareness of bird of prey persecution and to seek support in tackling it head on.
As part of the Operation, police will carry out checks on known persecution hot-spots around Edinburgh and the Lothians at random times to disrupt offender activity.
The more information available to law enforcement through reporting, the greater chance we have of prosecuting offenders.
National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Rural Crime, Chief Constable Darren Martland said:
"Disturbing our natural environment by shooting, trapping and poisoning birds of prey is a criminal offence.
"I therefore welcome the work of forces across the country via Operation Owl, to increase awareness of birds of prey persecution, and to engage with our rural communities and partners in addressing these crimes.
“Our ask of the public is simple: if you come across a wildlife crime scene, for example seeing a dead bird or objects that may be related to a wildlife crime, accurately record what you find and report it to police.
"The more information available to law enforcement, the greater chance we have of prosecuting offenders."
For more information about Operation Owl, and what to look out for in identifying bird of prey persecution, please visit www.operationowl.com
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