There are now 30 specialist wildlife officers in West Mercia after PCC John Campion allocated funding for the training of 17 additional Wildlife Crime Officers. They are regular officers that have completed specialist training that allows them to provide guidance and support around investigating wildlife offences.

Wildlife crime describes offences that often involve cruelty and the unlawful killing of wild mammals and birds and the destruction of plant life. This can include crimes such as: hare coursing; deer poaching; hunting with dogs; and badger persecution. It can also include the buying or selling of endangered species from around the world – such as ivory.

However, this crime doesn’t just affect wildlife, perpetrators can often be involved in other associated crimes such as ASB, theft, criminal damage and, in some cases, wildlife crime has been shown to be a financial avenue for supporting criminal gangs.

Funding from the Commissioner has also bought forensic kits, which allows the officers to gather evidence without relying on another team.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “These additional wildlife officers are an excellent step forward in giving communities reassurance that we are listening to their concerns.”

Superintendent Sue Thomas said: “It’s great to have a number of officers trained in wildlife matters who can then support and advise the wider workforce to ensure that we are able to respond to wildlife matters in an appropriate way. The training is essential to raise awareness and give officers the confidence to address and investigate wildlife crimes.”See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.