MOVES TO join forces in the battle against wildlife crime are turning the tide against crooks, according to a report published this week.

The Natural Justice Update, which analysed the progress made in the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of wildlife crime, has recognised the progress made and recommends that local partnership groups are now formed to make further progress.

Environment minister, Roseanna Cunningham said, “The partnership for action against wildlife crime in Scotland now has more organisations actively involved in tackling these crimes than any other part of the UK.

“This illustrates our collective determination to crack down on and bring to justice those involved in crimes against our unique and stunning wildlife.

“There is no room for complacency and I intend to ensure that the recommendations to form a series of local partnership groups are pursued. By the very nature of these offences we rely on local knowledge to help us detect crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

The Natural Justice Update suggests improvements can be maximised by setting up local groups involving individuals and representatives of organisations with an interest in the environment, local partnerships supported by the procurator fiscal service, the standardisation of wildlife crime police officer roles and training, and changing the way police assess information.

Tayside Police’s wildlife crime detective, Alan Stewart said yesterday there was a meeting next week to set up a local partnership for action against wildlife crime.

This will involve a wide range of bodies including, among others, the Scottish Government, the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Scottish Natural Heritage, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, conservation agencies, land managers and game organisations.

Figures revealed last week show a steady increase in the number of wildlife offences being reported to Scotland’s police forces. In the decade 1999 to 2008 the number of reported offences rose from 140 to 384, due to increasing awareness and detection.