Countryside Management Association News

A police-led Unit to target and disrupt serious wildlife crime on a regional, national and international level has been launched.

The National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) is the only one of its kind in the UK and a world leader in tackling wildlife crime.

A multi-agency operation, the NWCU will gather, analyse and co-ordinate wildlife crime intelligence and support the enforcement activities of police and HM Revenue and Customs officers in the UK.

The NWCU's structure and operations have been developed over the last four years and have been internationally commended and implemented as a model world wide.

Launching the Unit, Biodiversity Minister, Barry Gardiner, said:

"Stepping up the Unit's remit will facilitate greater numbers of prosecutions and go a long way in the fight to stamp out wildlife crime, but this is not something we can do alone.

"Working with partners both inside and outside of government we are now in a prime position to tackle the perpetrators head-on. This Unit sends a clear message: we will not tolerate wildlife crime in the UK.

"I am pleased that Defra was able to commit a further £200,000 in February this year, which has enabled the expansion and broadening of the Unit's remit. I look forward to its continuing success."

Lothian and Borders Police announced in April that it would host the Unit from a new base in Edinburgh.

Paddy Tomkins, Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders Police who are hosting the Unit said:

"We pay tribute to the work that the Unit has done up until now as part of a larger intelligence agency, all of which has been exceptionally important. We look forward to establishing a close working relationship with this highly dedicated team of people using our combined knowledge and skills to combat all types and levels of wildlife crime."

Mark Fuchter, Head of Prohibitions & Restrictions Group at HMRC says:

"We share a common interest in tackling the international trafficking in CITES-listed endangered species. The pilot unit has quickly established itself as an effective partner alongside police wildlife crime officers and customs officers. We have a close and effective working relationship with the unit and the changes announced today will enhance law enforcement capability against wildlife crime even further."

The pilot for the NWCU was set up in 2002, and originally functioned from within the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) as a focal point to gather, analyse and disseminate actionable intelligence both nationally and internationally. Initial support was provided by Defra, the Scottish Executive, the Association of Chief Police Officers, HM Revenue and Customs, and the Home Office.

A dedicated website has also been launched at www.nwcu.police.uk.

Barry Fryer, Chief Superintendent of the RSPCA's Special Operations Unit, said:

"We welcome that the Government has recognised the importance of fighting wildlife crime by increasing the role of this Unit. It's a step forward in the fight against wildlife crime. We hope to work closely with the National Wildlife Crime Unit in the future."

Steven Broad, Executive Director of TRAFFIC has offered his support for the success of the Unit:

"Illegal wildlife trade is of growing concern and increasingly involves criminal networks that are becoming more organised and using more sophisticated techniques. The establishment of the new Unit - and its new strategy - is an effective and timely response to this challenge. It is clear recognition by the UK government of the seriousness of the illicit trade and a clear commitment to combat such criminal activities."

Ian West, RSPB Head of Investigations added:

"The setting up of the National Wildlife Crime Unit is the most
important development in combating wildlife crime since the formation of
the wildlife crime officer network."

David Cowdrey, Director of WWF-UK's Wildlife Trace Campaign said:

"Stamping out wildlife crime in the UK is a vital step toward protecting the world's biodiversity. WWF is hopeful that this service is given the support it needs and that other nations around the world follow this lead. Laws to protect the world's endangered species are meaningless without effective enforcement."