WILDLIFE CRIMEWildlife Crime is any illegal act in Scotland affecting certain birds, animals, and plants including their habitats. It includes the illegal disturbance, destruction, theft, and sale of animals and plants both in the countryside and urban areas, and also the damage and destruction of protected habitats. Wildlife Crime poses significant harm to the species targeted by the criminals, as well as the communities who rely on wildlife for employment and tourism.Some examples of types of Wildlife Crime include:Damage to Sites of Special Scientific InterestThe disturbance of sea mammalsIllegal use of traps and snaresIllegal cockle pickingRemoval of birds nests from the eves of houses at certain times of the year.There are currently seven specific Wildlife Crime Priorities in Scotland and the UK.1. Bat Crime2. Badger Persecution3. Raptor (Birds of Prey) Persecution4. Freshwater Pearl Mussels Persecution5. CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) Issues6. Poaching7. 7 Cyber Enabled Wildlife Crime Although any officer can investigate wildlife crime, every Division in Police Scotland has a Wildlife Crime Liaison Officer and there is also a network of part-time Wildlife Crime Officers across the force. These officers can be contacted to report a crime or to seek advice on wildlife crime matters. Call Police Scotland on 101 to report a wildlife crime or email us at Contactus@scotland.pnn.police.ukIf you suspect a wildlife crime is/has taken placeDO:Report any suspicious activity as soon as possible to Police Scotland on 101 or 999 if it is an emergency, and ask to speak to a Wildlife Crime Officer if one is availableTake note of the date, time, and weather conditionsIf possible, identify a map reference using the My Three Words app, or ideally a GPS reading of both the incident scene and location from where you witnessed the incidentNote a description of person/s involved including gender, age, height, clothing, etc.Write down any vehicle registration numbers, make, model, and colour that may be involvedIdentify other witnesses and obtain their name and contact detailsIf possible, video or photograph the scene, or make a rough sketchCover up any suspected poisoned baits or victims to prevent any animal or person from coming into contact with them.Do report. Even if you are not sure – report the incident. The evidence of wildlife crime is not always obvious.DO NOT:Do not disturb the scene by moving items or walking about unnecessarilyDo not touch dead animals or birds, especially if you suspect that poison may have been usedDo not interfere with legal countryside practices such as the legal use of traps and snares, hides, high seats, and shooting butts.NEVER:Never approach suspects or intervene if you suspect someone is committing a wildlife crime – you may put yourself in danger.The Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service also has a dedicated Wildlife and Environmental Crime Unit; working together we aim to ensure our officers are trained to the highest level to ensure thorough investigation and prosecution of wildlife crime.More information on wildlife crime can be found athttps://www.scotland.police.uk/contact-us/report-wildlife-crime Drugs Recovery after Search Warrant ExecutedTwo men have been arrested for growing cannabis in Perth.On Saturday, 21 January 2023, police officers executed a drug search warrant in the Cherrybank area of Perth during an intelligence-led operation.Officers recovered a four-figure sum of cannabis and seized equipment used to cultivate the drug.Two men aged 31 and 32 were arrested in connection with the operation and will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Local area Inspector Kris McCall from Perth Police Station said, “These arrests demonstrate our determination to pursue those suspected of supplying controlled drugs. The type of equipment used to grow cannabis is dangerous and can expose people to an increased risk of fire.Information from the public is vital to disrupt the illicit supply of drugs. If you have any information or concerns about drug misuse in your area please contact us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 We recognise the importance of understanding the views and priorities of Scotland’s diverse communities. This survey is a platform for you to tell us your views and experience of your police service. Responses are analysed weekly to help shape how we do things.It’s a way for us to listen to the needs of our diverse communities. Let us know what we’re getting right and what we can do better.The survey is completely anonymous. You will not be personally identified through the information you provide.Click the link below to complete the survey.Please contact us if you require the survey in an alternative format: InsightEngagement@scotland.pnn.police.uk.Complete the survey here UPDATESOn Thursday 5th January 2023, a warrant was executed at a property in Stormont Street, Perth. Officers searched the property and seized a quantity of illegal drugs and associated paraphernalia. A 47 year old male was arrested.About 10:10 pm on Friday 6th January 2023 money was stolen from Bell Sports Centre, Perth. Later that evening a 43 year old male was traced and arrested in relation to this theft. A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.A 55 year old male has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal for causing damage to a window of a moving taxi on Thursday 5th January 2023 within the area of Crieff.A 69 year old male has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal on Friday 6th January 2023 in relation to careless driving incident which caused damage to a stone wall in Comrie Street, CrieffDuring the last week 5 drivers have been found to be without insurance and 4 had no licence. RECENT INCIDENTSAbout 0255 hours, Wednesday 4th January 2023, a residential premises within Hewat Place, Perth were broken into and a vehicle key stolen. The key was thereafter used to steal a White Honda CRV (CR/1006/23)Between 8pm on Thursday 5th January and 9am on Friday 6th January 2023 a red Kia Ceed motor vehicle was damaged whilst parked at Stormont Street, Perth (CR/2134/23)On Thursday 5th January 2023 at 1:30pm, a pedestrian was hit by the wing mirror of a moving motor vehicle whilst exiting a parked taxi on Rannoch Road, Perth. The suspect vehicle is described as a small Suzuki SUV type motor vehicle with the driver described as white male, mid to late 60’s, short but medium build with stubble. He was wearing a grey hooded anorak and black tracksuit bottoms. (CR/2823/23) Around 0100 hours, Saturday 7th January 2023, an attempt was made to gain entry to Perth Playhouse, Perth and damage caused to a window. Suspect is described as male, broad built, 5ft 8/9 inch, 17-20 years of age and wearing a long sleeve grey top, black body warmer, dark trousers, black boots, gloves and a hood up. (CR21415/23)On Saturday 7th January 2023 at 6:30pm a male suspect has entered a property at Logie Crescent, Perth causing fear and alarm to the occupant. The suspect is described as white male, 5ft 10, medium build and wearing a dark beanie hat, dark navy waterproof jacket and dark jeans. (CR/3009/23)Between 12pm on Friday 6th January 2023 and 6:30 am on Saturday 7th January 2023 attempts were made to break into a summerhouse located within the rear garden of a property in Cottarshade, Blairgowrie (CR/2709/23)Between 12noon on Saturday 7th January and 12noon on Sunday 8th January 2023 two half barrel planters were stolen from the side of the road on Perth Road, Abernethy (CR/3071/23)About 2:15am on Sunday 8th January 2023 damage was caused to patio doors and a window of the Coffee Shop situated within Strathallan School, Forgandenny and money stolen from inside. Suspect one is described as a white male, 5ft, thin build and aged between 13 – 18 years of age, suspect two is described as white male, 5ft 3, thin build and aged between 12 – 18 years of age, suspect three is described as white male, 5ft 5, thin build and aged between 12 – 18 years of age, suspect four is white male, 5ft 8, thin build and aged between 12 – 18 years of age and suspect five is a white male, 5ft 8 and aged between 12 – 18 years. (CR/2759/23) Anyone with any information that may be useful should contact Tayside Division on 101 or any police officer, quoting the crime reference number listed at each incident. Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Regards,Tom Leonard, Chief Inspector Local Area Commander, Perth and Kinross FURTHER INFORMATION AND INTERNET LINKSAs we receive reports of crime, the information is shared on https://www.pkcommunitywatch.co.uk/I would encourage you to sign up for notifications.Guidance on how to protect your property is available via Community Watch as well as on the Police Scotland Website, just click or copy and paste the following link:-https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/Keep up to date with everything we are doing and all appeals by visiting the following sites:-https://twitter.com/policescotlandhttps://www.facebook.com/PoliceScotlandhttp://www.scotland.police.uk/http://www.pkcommunitywatch.co.uk/ Your Community Policing TeamsLocality InspectorsPERTH CITY CENTREPI Peter Duncan PERTH CITY NORTHPI Paul Haigh PERTH CITY SOUTHPI Kristopher McCallNORTHPI Ashley Wallace Blairgowrie & GlensHighlandStrathtayStrathmoreCarse of GowrieSOUTHPI Lesley McDonald StrathearnStrathallanAlmond & EarnKinross-shireIf you wish to make contact with your local community officer please use the following e-mail addresses:PerthTaysidePerthCityCentreCPT@Scotland.police.ukTaysidePerthCityNorthCPT@Scotland.police.ukTaysidePerthCitySouthCPT@Scotland.police.ukNorthTaysideStrathmoreCPT@Scotland.police.ukTaysideBlairgowrieGlensCPT@Scotland.police.ukTaysideHighlandCPT@Scotland.police.ukTaysideStrathtayCPT@Scotland.police.ukTaysideCarseofGowrieCPT@Scotland.police.ukSouthTaysideKinross-shireCPT@scotland.police.ukTaysideStrathallanCPT@scotland.police.ukTaysideAlmondEarnCPT@scotland.police.ukTaysideStrathearnCPT@scotland.police.uk
