New schemes launched to cut down on wildlife crime
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GRAMPIAN Police have launched two schemes aimed at cutting down on wildlife crime.
Information boards will be placed at harbours around the north-east to give operators of marine craft, such as boats and jet skis, advice on how to avoid committing wildlife crime.
Chief Inspector Janice Innes said: "Dolphins, whales and porpoises are a popular sight in the waters around the north-east, and dolphins in particular are naturally sociable and inquisitive. This can bring them into contact with operators of marine craft, and there have been cases of dolphins being injured through contact with vessels, and of being left disturbed and scared.
"In a bid to prevent this from happening, Grampian Police have teamed up with Northern Constabulary to produce the information boards, which have advice on how to avoid disturbing cetaceans, and how to avoid breaking the law.
"One of the key messages the boards aims to get across is for marine crew to be aware of marine wildlife around them, and adjust their speed appropriately."
Chief Inspector Innes added: "Cetaceans are an important part of our natural heritage and as such are fully protected by law. Crime prevention through education and awareness raising initiatives are an important part of police work. These boards are a good example of a simple yet effective way of getting the correct messages across."
The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society will be installing the boards, thanks to funding from Mearsk Oil and Optima.
In another move to raise awareness of general wildlife crime, information cards will give the general public advice and information on how to recognise when wildlife crime is committed, and what they should take. The card acts as a pocket reference guide for anyone who may come across the scene of a potential wildlife crime. The force is keen to emphasis that anything suspicious should be reported as soon as possible.
The cards have been produced with a grant from The Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime Scotland (PAWS). Some 30,000 cards have been produced, and will be distributed throughout the region through various agencies. There will also be large posters containing the same information, which will go on display across Grampian.
The launch of the campaigns last week coincided with the appointment of new full-time wildlife crime officer, Constable Gavin Lindsay, who has taken the role over from PC Dave MacKinnon.
Anyone with information on wildlife crime in their area should contact their local police office or telephone Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700 or if they wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
