Met teams up with WSPA to tackle wildlife crime
30 January 2012
The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) Wildlife Crime Unit is today (Monday 30 January) teaming up with the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) in a joint effort to deal with the increase in wildlife crime.
Launching the partnership at City Hall with an exhibition of items seized by the Wildlife Crime Unit, the WSPA will be providing funding to enable the current staff to pass on their extensive and valuable knowledge as well allowing the unit to expand to better tackle wildlife crimes across London.
Sergeant Ian Knox, Head of the Metropolitan Police Wildlife Crime Unit said: “I am delighted that the World Society for the Protection of Animals has decided to contribute a significant amount of money to the Wildlife Crime Unit. The extra funding will pay for more staff so we can be more proactive in targeting criminals who seek to exploit animals for financial gain.
“We will also be able to provide additional support and training to Wildlife Crime Officers across London which will ensure that the Met has the capability to tackle crimes against animals in the future.”
WSPA UK Head of External Affairs Simon Pope said: “Without the specialist skills and knowledge of the WCU, wildlife crime in London could flourish. This is not some niche, illicit trade carried out by petty part-time villains. It is a major source of revenue for a global network of hardened criminals, gangs and drug lords; all growing rich from the trafficking of wildlife and none about to have a crisis of conscience and stop what they are doing.
“The knowledge contained in the WCU is an irreplaceable asset to London, national and international enforcement communities. We know that our supporters and Londoners want to see wildlife criminals bought to justice, so it seemed vital now more than ever to safeguard the future of this specialist unit."
- Stuffed tiger cub