How to report a wildlife crime

You can help combat wildlife crime in many ways;

If you witness what you believe to be a wildlife crime being committed, report it to the police straightaway, either by ringing 999 or your local station. Do not leave it until it is too late.

If you can, please tell police an exact location with possibly a map reference as to where you last saw the offender(s). A landmark may be helpful in pinpointing the location.

A brief description with particular relevance to clothing, implements they have with them, and any dogs etc. If they have a vehicle then the make, colour and registration number will be of great help. It will also assist the police greatly if for example you have seen suspected badger diggers, then the location of a nearby badger sett.

If you know of wildlife offenders or have any information relating to wildlife offences then you can report it to any of the following organisations;

1. Your local Police Wildlife Crime Officer: they are interested in all wildlife offences. You can contact your local wildlife crime officer through any police headquarters or by checking our contacts page where you will find a list of current wildlife crime officers.
2. HM Revenue and Customs: they are interested in offences in relation to the illegal trade in endangered species. Tel: 0208 910 3830; web site www.hmrc.gov.uk
3. Crimestoppers Trust: they will accept details of wildlife offenders and pass them to the relevant police forces. Tel: 0800 555 111; web site www.crimestoppers-uk.org. All calls will be treated in confidence; you do not have to give your details if you do not wish to.
4. Crimes against wild birds can be reported on line to the RSPB at www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/policy/wildbirdslaw/report.asp
   If you would prefer to speak to somebody please call the RSPB on 01767 680 551 (England and Wales) or 0131 311 6500 (Scotland). Lines are manned 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Messages can be left outside these hours.

For background information or specific advice, you might consider contacting:

1. RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) for any wildlife offences. Tel: 0300 1234 999. In Scotland, the SSPCA (Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Tel: 0131 339 0111. Email: MFlynn@scottishspca.org.
2. TRAFFIC International for offences relating to the illegal trade in endangered species. Email: traffic@trafficint.org or Fax: 01223 276936.
3. Defra (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) PAW Secretariat, interested in the trade in endangered species, bird registration, bird of prey offences etc. Email: paw.secretariat@defra.gsi.gov.uk or Fax: 0117 372 8393.
4. The Scottish Executive, interested in wildlife issues in Scotland. Email: wildlife.crime@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or Fax: 0131 244 4071 - please mark for the attention of Wildlife Crime Team.
5. The Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme, investigates offences involving the illegal poisoning of wildlife with pesticides. Tel: 0800 321 600.
6. WWF Eyes and Ears Campaign hotline 01483 426111

Or you could contact one of the PAW partner organisations.