British bases on full alert ahead of migratory bird trapping season

Nicosia, Cyprus. The British bases said on Wednesday they were on full alert ahead of the Ambelopoulia migratory season, which begins at the end of August, with measures already in place to prevent illegal bird trapping.

Enforcement preparations

The Community Action Team is already operating in areas of the Eastern British bases, identifying potential trapping sites and dismantling installations set up by people seeking to profit from the illegal activity, unit head Yiannakis Loucas said.

Loucas said the team was fully prepared to act against people attempting to trap migratory birds using nets and deadly snares.

“The authorities will proceed to identify, arrest and prosecute the offenders,” he said.

Cooperation and technology

The bases police will continue to cooperate closely with the Cyprus police anti-poaching unit, the game and fauna service, local authorities and environmental organisations, Loucas said.

He said the Community Action Team would use available technology and specialist equipment, including automatic number plate recognition systems, drones and other equipment.

Public reporting

Loucas called on the public to assist the authorities during the migration period, which lasts until October 31.

He said information provided by the public would remain strictly confidential and urged citizens to report suspicious activity or relevant information to police authorities.