The British Bases (BB) Police are on full alert ahead of the start, on August 31, of the migratory season for the Ampelopoulia.
The Community Action Team is stepping up checks in the Eastern Bases areas, utilizing drones, license plate recognition systems, and surveillance equipment, with the aim of detecting and preventing illegal trapping. The Police make it clear that the zero-tolerance policy remains in effect and warn that violators will be identified, arrested, and brought to justice.
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A statement from the Dekeleia Police Department states that “the migration season for Ampelopoulia begins in late August, and the Community Action Team (CAT) will draw on its extensive experience, modern technological tools, and the cooperative relationships it has developed with governmental and nongovernmental organizations, with the aim of keeping illegal trapping at near-zero levels within the British Bases.”
“The Community Action Team (CAT) is already in the areas of the Eastern British Bases, identifying potential trapping sites and dismantling the facilities set up by those seeking to profit from this illegal activity,” the statement adds.
It is also noted that despite the fact that poachers attempt to trap migratory birds using nets and lethal stakes, the head of CAT, Sergeant Giannakis Louka, makes it clear that the members of his team are fully prepared to take action.
“The authorities will proceed to locate, arrest, and prosecute the offenders,” he said. “Building on our long-standing commitment and past successes, we will once again lead the effort, maintaining a proactive, intelligence-driven approach, with the aim of preventing and detecting illegal trapping,” Mr. Louka added.
The BB Police, he said, will continue its close cooperation with the Anti-Poaching Unit, the Cyprus Police, the Game and Fauna Service, local authorities, and environmental organizations such as BirdLife Cyprus, the Committee Against the Slaughter of Birds (CABS), and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), with the aim of collaborating and exchanging information to protect wildlife and combat illegal activities.
“Once again, the Community Action Team will make full use of the technology and specialized equipment at its disposal,” he said, explaining that this will include the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems, drones, surveillance equipment, and other technological capabilities to support operational activities, gather evidence, and identify offenders, with the aim of bringing them to justice.
The strong police presence at locations associated with illegal bird trapping is expected to serve as a deterrent, with Sergeant Loukas, for his part, calling on the public to actively contribute to this effort.
“Citizens are urged to report any suspicious activity or relevant information to the police. Information provided by the public will remain strictly confidential,” the statement reads.
It should be noted that the migration season for the Ampelopoulia birds runs from August 31 to October 31.
