about us

London wildcare Trust
Wildlife Crime

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 below 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.