British Bases Police preparations for the upcoming bird trapping season are almost complete, according to an announcement, with officials confirming a zero-tolerance policy toward the crime will continue.
The announcement states that the migration period for Ambelopoulia begins at the end of August, and the Community Action Team (CAT) will draw on years of experience, technology and relationships built with government and non-government organisations to keep illegal trapping close to zero within the British Bases.
According to the announcement, CAT officers have been on the ground within the Eastern British Bases, locating potential trapping sites and disrupting the infrastructure set up by those looking to profit from the illegal activity.
Would-be trappers snare migrating birds using mist nets and lethal lime sticks, the announcement notes, but Sergeant Yiannakis Louca, who leads the CAT team, said his officers are ready to act. “Illegal bird trapping will not be tolerated, and we will detect, disrupt and prosecute offenders,” he said.
Building on the team’s long-standing commitment and previous successes, the announcement states that CAT will again lead the effort, maintaining an intelligence-led, proactive approach aimed at preventing and detecting illegal trapping activity.
The British Bases Police will continue working closely with the Cyprus Police Combat team, the Game Fund, local authorities and NGOs including Birdlife, the Committee Against Bird Slaughter and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the announcement adds, noting that effective cooperation and information sharing are essential to protecting wildlife and tackling illegal activity.
The CAT team will once again make full use of technology and specialist equipment, according to the announcement, including automatic number plate recognition, drones and surveillance equipment to support operational activity, gather evidence and identify offenders with a view to prosecution.
A visible police presence in areas known to be associated with illegal bird trapping will also act as a deterrent, the announcement says. It adds that members of the community are encouraged to report any suspected trapping activity or related information to police, with any information provided treated with the utmost confidentiality.
The migration period for Ambelopoulia runs from August 31 to October 31, according to the announcement.
