Witnessing a wildlife crime

If you’re witnessing a crime against wild birds, it’s important to gather as much detail as is safe for you to do so to help you to report it. Please do not put yourself or others at risk.  

• Take particular care if an incident involves multiple suspects or the use of firearms.  

• Write down anything you see or hear as soon as possible.  

• Take photos and/or videos.   

• Record the date, time, and location of where the incident took place (grid reference, What3Words, GPS, or a description of the location).  

• Record a description of the person(s) involved including their gender, age, height, clothing, behaviour, anything carried, etc.  

• Record any relevant vehicle details, including the registration number, make, model, colour, and any distinctive features.  

• Identify any other witnesses and obtain their name and contact details if possible.  

• Consider carefully covering any dead birds or suspected poisoned baits to prevent any animal or person coming into contact with them.  

• Touch or move dead animals or birds – they may have been poisoned or carry Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.  

• Disturb evidence by moving items or walking around the scene unnecessarily.  

• Remove live birds of prey or other birds from crow cage or Larsen traps. If you encounter a bird of prey in a trap, please report this to the police immediately and also report it to RSPB Investigations via our online report form or Raptor Crime Hotline (see above). If you believe there are welfare issues associated with a trap, please contact the RSPCA (see above).  

• Destroy or interfere with set traps and snares as these may be legal. If you believe that a trap is illegally set, or if you are unsure, please take a photo and contact the police or RSPB Wildlife Enquiries (01767 693690).  

• Publish details of suspected crimes on social media as this may hinder criminal investigations.

• Challenge suspects, especially if armed.

If you’re unsure who to report the incident to then head over this page, where you’ll find the appropriate means to take further action.