What is wildlife crime?
It’s not about saving cute bunnies and baby birds, but tackling an illegal multi-million pound industry that trades in endangered species and plants.
The UK has some of the strictest controls globally with the police working in partnership with a number of agencies such as the Environment Agency and Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime (PAW).
Wildlife crime includes:
- Hare coursing
- Badger baiting
- Stealing birds eggs
- Destroying / poisoning bee hives
- Uprooting wild plants
- Illegal trading of creatures such as birds of prey and reptiles
PC Simon Towers is one of four Wildlife Crime Officers across Thames Valley. He has been in the voluntary role for 12 years and is available for talks to community groups about his work.
Simon provides a regular update on local rural issues which can be downloaded.
Simon can be contacted either by telephoning 01993 861632 or emailing: simon.towers@westoxon.gov.uk
Country Watch Scheme
Country Watch is a free scheme operated by the police where members receive specific rural-related crime alerts and witness appeals direct, either by email or as a recorded telephone message. On joining, members receive signs to display on their property and crime prevention leaflets.
The service also acts as a two-way communication channel for members to report information and suspicious incidents to the police. Further information on Country Watch is available at: www.tvpcommunitymessaging.org
For an application pack or for more details please email us.
