Images released of suspect in peregrine falcon theft

Police have released images of a man they are looking for in connection with the theft of a protected peregrine falcon.

Three eggs were laid in a nest in the Anston area of Rotherham in April of which at least one had hatched.

However on Friday May 8 a peregrine falcon was taken from the nest, sparking a joint investigation by South Yorkshire Police and the National Wildlife Crime Unit.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Peregrine falcons have the highest level of protection under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is an offence to take a peregrine, or damage a nest, eggs or young.

Officers want to trace the man climbing a rockface in the image and are appealing for information about the theft.

Chief Inspector Martin Sims, head of the NWCU said: “The illegal trade in birds of prey is a UK Wildlife Crime priority and we continue to gather intelligence about those who make money by targeting wild birds and attempting to pass them off as legally captive bred birds.

“Trading illegally in species such as peregrine falcons carries up to five years imprisonment. We will target anybody who targets wild birds.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Wild peregrine falcons are thought to be more powerful than those bred in captivity and some falconers in the UK and Middle East are willing to pay a premium for them.

Chief Superintendent David Hartley, South Yorkshire Police’s lead for wildlife crime, added: “Peregrine falcons are an iconic part of our countryside and this crime sees a premeditated exploitation of this for criminal profit.

“South Yorkshire Police has a highly trained team of Wildlife Crime officers and they have been dedicated to this investigation, supported by the National Wildlife Crime Unit.

“We will not tolerate this type of crime and we seek the public’s help in identifying those that are profiting from the wild birds we cherish.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

*Call the National Wildlife Crime Unit on 01506 833722. The police are on 101 or email [email protected], or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting incident number 373 of 23 May 2015.