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Police Scotland launch third phase of Year-Long Wildlife Crime Campaign focusing on Bat Crime


POLICE SCOTLAND LAUNCH THIRD PHASE OF OPERATION WINGSPAN, AS PART OF YEAR-LONG CAMPAIGN TO TACKLE WILDLIFE CRIME IN SCOTLAND.

Police Scotland’s yearlong focus on wildlife crime is now concentrating on bat crime.

All ten species of bats found in Scotland are protected. It is an offence to capture, injure or kill a bat, disturb a bat in a roost or to damage or obstruct a roost. Destroying or damaging a roost is a strict liability, meaning it is not an excuse to say you were unaware of the roost.

Bats perform important roles in environments around the world. In Scotland, they can help keep midge numbers under control!

If you find a grounded or injured bat the Bat Conservation Trust has advice on what to do. 

Operation Wingspan, a 12-month campaign, will focus on the seven wildlife crime priorities set by the UK Wildlife Crime Tasking and Co-ordination Group and the National Wildlife Crime Unit. The campaign will be delivered through a mixture of operational policing activity, internal training, strong partnership working and action to raise public awareness of the seven priorities of wildlife crime, these are:

DCS Gary Cunningham, Police Scotland says: “Scotland’s vast, beautiful habitat is home to internationally renowned species that attract thousands of nature lovers and tourists every year. However, there are those who seek to either destroy this natural habitat or kill protected species illegally for their own personal gain or even ‘sport’. Crimes committed against wildlife are often cruel and barbaric, from using poisons or snares to hunting deer or badgers with dogs – the injuries they inflict can often result in slow, painful deaths. Reports of wildlife crime doubled during lockdown. Increased reporting is to be welcomed but we will continue to work closely with a wide range of partner organisations to reduce the harm to species targeted by criminals and the communities who rely on them for employment and tourism across Scotland.”

For further information about wildlife crime in Scotland visit www.scotland.police.uk/wildlifecrime

Wingspan Phase 3 – Bat Crime Poster