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Wild bird crime
In 2009, we received the following reports:
- 268 reports of shooting and destruction of birds of prey
- 158 reports of poisoning and the use of poisoned baits
- 63 egg collecting incidents, including confirmed robberies from 10 nests of Schedule 1 species
- 65 reports of illegal taking, possession or sale of birds of prey
- 99 reports of illegal taking, possession or sale of wild birds other than birds of prey, predominantly finches.
More information is available from our 2009 Birdcrime report, available to download from this page.
The 2009 report differs slightly from previous Birdcrime reports, as there is no 'total' figure reported regarding all categories of wild bird crime. The National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) receives data on incidents of wild bird crime from police forces across the UK, as well as the RSPB and RSPCA. This enables NWCU to publish a total figure for wild bird crime in the UK in its annual report, at the end of each financial year. With this process now in place, RSPB Investigations are able to focus their finite resources on wild bird crime affecting species of higher conservation concern, and crime that is serious and organised.
Although we are no longer able to take an active part in investigations of crime involving species of lower conservation concern, we can still offer advice on these matters. Should you have any queries, please contact us using the links below.
The higher levels of reported incidents in recent years are due in large part to improved recording and reporting, and efforts by the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit to collate figures. However, we believe that these published figures represent only a fraction of the total number of incidents, as many remain undetected and unreported, particularly those that occur in remote areas.
In 2009, we received information on 35 individual prosecutions involving offences committed against wild birds. These cases involved a total of 120 charges, of which 85 resulted in a guilty outcome. Fines for the year totalled £6,895 and seven people were given prison sentences (three of which were suspended sentences).
For a full breakdown of the facts and figures, please download a copy of Birdcrime 2009 from this page.
What can I do?
Have you seen a crime against a wild bird? Use this form to report a wildlife crime to us.
Reporting form
Want to do even more?
Contact us for advice about bird crime
Contact us
Last modified: 16 September 2010