WOULD-BE crooks who plan on stealing birds eggs across Essex have been warned they will be prosecuted. 

Damaging wild birds’ nests or stealing their eggs is a crime.

All wild birds, their nests, and eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

PC Jed Raven, the Rural, Wildlife and Heritage Crime officer, said: “Sadly, there are some determined individuals who persist in collecting bird eggs, so it’s profitable for criminals to steal them and sell them illegally in a global market.”  

He added that while there isn’t a “major problem” with egg thieves in Essex, there are a few sites Essex Police keep an eye on because of the rare birds nesting there.

PC Raven continued: “Whole clutches of eggs can be taken, and this can have devastating and potentially irreversible consequences for rare birds, while helping to accelerate the decline of species which were once common in the countryside.

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy nature and the countryside safely, but that can only continue if we ensure that our wildlife is protected and preserved, not just for us but for generations to come.”

Stealing wild birds’ eggs is a crime; it is also illegal to take, damage, or destroy any birds’ nests.

This is because simply disturbing nesting birds can cause parent birds to abandon their nests, eggs, or young, leaving them to die.

PC Raven added: “Most birds nest between March and August, but some will nest outside of these months. So, if you are cutting hedges or pruning trees at any time of year, you must make sure there is not an active bird nest in the branches before you start work.”

PC Raven and his fellow rural engagement officers in Essex—and across the country—receive up-to-date intelligence and support from the National Wildlife Crime Unit, which co-ordinates the policing response to egg thefts through Operation Easter.

Another national operation to protect wild birds is Operation Owl, where members of the public are encouraged to report incidents, which can be done online at www.essex.police.uk/ro  or by calling 101.