The SBA Police have continued their operations against the illegal trapping of birds, with the phenomenon reduced by more than 98% since 2016, according to an official statement.
The announcement noted that bird trapping remains at low levels as the trapping season draws to a close. Operations by the SBA Police continue at a steady pace, even as the migration period of blackcaps ends this month.
Coordinated operations with NGOs
Special officers from the Community Action Team (CAT) have been working in collaboration with key non-governmental organisations to detect and prevent would-be trappers operating within the Sovereign Base Areas. Between 1 August and 17 October, authorities recorded eight cases of illegal net use and three cases of illegal quail hunting involving the use of bird-calling devices.
According to the statement, this proactive approach to combating bird trapping has led to a reduction in the crime by more than 98% since 2016.
Senior Police Officer of Dhekelia, George Louis, said the commitment of the police to tackling bird-related crime and their coordinated approach with NGO partners – the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) and BirdLife Cyprus – means the team can stay one step ahead of the trappers.
Ongoing patrols and support
The SBA Police said they respond proactively to any identified case of bird trapping, whether detected by partners such as BirdLife Cyprus and CABS or through their own Intelligence Unit.
The Community Action Team can also request support from up to 60 additional officers in the eastern areas of the Bases, who patrol around the clock each week, as well as additional military assistance when required.
The Commander of the Bases, Major General Tom Bewick, met last week with BirdLife Cyprus and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) at Akrotiri to reinforce his commitment to the cause. He assured partners that, despite the major success of the last decade, the momentum would not be lost.
Also read: British activists clash with Cypriot trappers over ambelopoulia
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