Wildlife Crime
24hr crime hotline 0208 647 6230

London Wildcare works tirelessly to prevent wildlife
crime and to respond to victims when crime occurs.
Through our close working relationship with the
Metropolitan Police Service’s Wildlife Crime Unit and
their network of Borough based wildlife officers, we help
investigate all sorts of crimes ranging from illegal
poisoning and trapping through to habitat destruction
and even firearms offences. One of the
most shocking cases dealt with by our
team in recent times was the repeated
shooting of two swans, George and
Megan (pictured right) who were well
known to hospital staff and who lived in
a seemingly idyllic local setting.

Although little known, there are in fact
many robust laws protecting our wildlife
from acts of deliberate cruelty, even in
circumstances where killing the animals
in question (such as through lawful pest
control) may be permitted. London
Wildcare have built up working
partnerships with Parks Police and
Ranger Services, Parks Friends Groups,
Allotment Groups and Residents
Associations as well as with other animal
welfare societies to help keep a watchful
eye on particularly vulnerable species or
locations, such as many of our nearby
badger setts. We also provide specialist
training in wildlife crime and wildlife law,
both to the Police Service and many of
the other group types listed

If you have details of wildlife crime, call
us on 0208 647 6230 with details. This
number may be used 24 hours a day if
you believe the crime to be taking place
there and then. We also ask that you dial
999 and request the police to attend

SOME SIMPLE DO's AND DON'TS
DO call us immediately and be sure to
give us precise details of the location of
the incident and of any injured animals
involved.

DO record as much information as possible about anyone involved: numbers, sex, height, clothing and descriptions of any dogs are most helpful.

DO record description and index number of any vehicles.

DO keep others away from the scene as we may be able to gather forensic evidence.

DON'T approach those involved. Many of the people who are involved in wildlife crime are often also wanted for serious offences which may involve drugs, firearms, dog fighting etc.

Above all, protect yourself from danger and then, if possible, protect any wildlife casualties from further harm. Once you have called us, rest assured that help us on its way.

London Wildcare has co-produced a booklet with MPS which is available free of charge from any of our centres or by sending an SAE to us at London Wildcare Wildlife Crime Team Beddington Park, Church Road, Wallington, SM6 7NN.