Fife wildlife crime in staggering 815% rise
Efforts to tackle a staggering 815% rise in wildlife crime have been outlined at a Fife summit.
A deer at the Scottish Deer Centre, near Cupar.
Members of the fledgling Fife partnership against wildlife crime came together at the Scottish Deer Centre near Cupar after shock statistics released by Fife police showed that a total of 247 incidents were recorded in 2010 — compared to just 27 in 2009.
Monday's event focused on priorities for the coming year as the group attempts to tackle the alarming rise.
Among those attending was Fife's first full-time wildlife crime co-ordinator, PC Ian Laing.
He confirmed that the past year had seen a near ten-fold increase in the number of wildlife crime incidents recorded by the local constabulary.
Meanwhile, Chief Superintendent Alistair McKeen warned criminals there is no hiding place.
He said the new partnership had allowed all agencies to focus on the issues that need to be tackled "collectively" if Fife's wildlife and habitats are to be protected from exploitation and abuse.
"The past year has allowed us to develop a much better picture of wildlife crime in Fife," Mr McKeen explained.
"We are quickly building up a greater knowledge of the individuals and groups involved in this activity, be it hare coursing, deer or salmon poaching, or persecuting raptors or badgers.
"All of these take place in Fife to some degree, and many of those involved are also involved in other types of crime."
Against a backdrop of a huge increase in the number of reported incidents, Mr McKeen said the resolve to tackle wildlife crime "has never been greater".
"The commitment of all agencies in Fife charged with protecting our natural heritage to deal with this collectively will make the area an increasingly hostile place for the criminals involved," he added.
A leaflet released by the Fife Partnership Against Wildlife Crime on Monday states, "The kingdom of Fife faces the blight of criminal activity toward our wildlife, their habitats and environment.
"Only through concerted activity can we hope to reduce it."
The partnership includes the police, Scottish Natural Heritage, the National Farmers Union, the RSPB and the SSPCA.
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