Press release from Police Scotland (13th November 2020)
Reports of wildlife crime almost double
Wildlife crime reports have nearly doubled, according to the latest figures from Police Scotland.
Between April and September 2020, Police Scotland recorded 203 wildlife crime offences compared to 111 in the same period in 2019/20, an increase of 82.9%.
Detection rates also increased, rising to 55.2% in 2020 compared to 34.2% in the same six month period in 2019.
The latest figures were released in Police Scotland’s Quarterly Performance Report covering April to September 2020/21.
[This hen harrier died after suffering horrendous injuries caused by an illegal trap on a grouse moor on Leadhills Estate, South Lanarkshire. Photo by Ruth Tingay]
Detective Chief Superintendent Gary Cunningham, Police Scotland’s lead for Wildlife Crime, said: “Scotland’s diverse wildlife is one of its greatest assets, yet there are those who seek to destroy it. Wildlife crime has an enormous impact not only on our natural heritage but also on those communities that rely on the employment and tourism it brings.
“Investigating wildlife crime can be demanding and complex, it requires specialist skills. Earlier this year we introduced a new training course to build our capability and to enhance the skills and knowledge of our officers.
“We will continue to invest in tackling wildlife crime and ensuring our officers are trained to the highest level. But we are also asking the public to be aware and if they see anything suspicious to report it to us“.
ENDS
This increase in reported wildlife crimes in Scotland mirrors a surge in reported raptor persecution crimes in England during lockdown (e.g. see here and here).
Raptor Persecution UK 
Seems like what was suspected; More incidents because the public are respecting the lockdown, whereas the miscreants, whoever they are have a grand old time!
As a former regular contributor to RPUK Comments, a Hen Harrier surveyor and grouse moor watcher, I was surprised to finally gain access to RPUK after finding this particular option. RPUK were unable to sort out my difficulty in connecting, but after about two years trying I’ve found this rather tortuous route through. Can anyone explain to me how to contribute comments using the “normal” route? Normally when I attempt to gain access, the white-on-black turns to black-on-white print, and I can’t gain access to Comments, either to submit or connect. Very frustrating. Help!