Sovereign Base Areas Police preparations for the upcoming bird trapping season are almost complete and officials have warned the zero-tolerance policy to the crime will continue.
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 forged with both Governmental and Non-Governmental Organisations to ensure illegal trapping remains close to zero within the SBAs.
CAT have been on the ground within the Eastern SBAs locating potential trapping sites and disrupting the infrastructure put in place by those looking to profit from the illegal activity.
Would-be trappers snare migrating birds into mist nets and on to lethal lime sticks but according to Sergeant Yiannakis Louca, who leads the CAT team, his officers are ready to act.
He said: “Illegal bird trapping will not be tolerated, and we will detect, disrupt and prosecute offenders.
“Building on the long-standing commitment and previous successes, we will again spearhead the effort and maintain an intelligence-led and proactive approach aimed at preventing and detecting illegal trapping activity.
“The SBA Police will continue to work closely with the Cyprus Police Combat team and the Game Fund, local authorities and NGOs, such as Birdlife, Committee Against Bird Slaughter and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, recognising that effective cooperation and information sharing are essential in protecting wildlife and tackling illegal activity.”
The CAT team will once again also make full use of technology and specialist equipment.
Sergeant Louca continued: “This will include the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition, drones, surveillance equipment and other technological capabilities to support operational activity, gather evidence and identify offenders with the view to bring them to justice.”
A visible presence in areas known to be associated with illegal bird trapping will also act as a deterrent but Sergeant Louca was also keen to call on the public to play its part.
“Members of the community are encouraged to report any suspected bird trapping activity or related information to the police. Information provided by the public will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.”
The migration period for Ambelopoulia runs between August 31 and October 31.
