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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| UK wildlife crime centre to open | UK wildlife crime centre to open |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| A new unit to tackle wildlife crime across the UK is due to be launched. | |
| The unit, based in North Berwick, will tackle the illegal trade in endangered species and will try to prevent the persecution of rare birds and animals. | The unit, based in North Berwick, will tackle the illegal trade in endangered species and will try to prevent the persecution of rare birds and animals. |
| The unit, being officially inaugurated in Edinburgh, will be led by the police but will link up with customs officers and wildlife experts. | |
| It is estimated the worldwide illegal trade in animals, skins and trophies ranges in value from £2bn-£6bn a year. | It is estimated the worldwide illegal trade in animals, skins and trophies ranges in value from £2bn-£6bn a year. |
| Customs officers have seized nearly 8,000 live birds and animals being smuggled into Britain since 2003. | Customs officers have seized nearly 8,000 live birds and animals being smuggled into Britain since 2003. |
| The unit will be inaugurated by Biodiversity Minister Barry Gardiner at Edinburgh's Dynamic Earth centre. | The unit will be inaugurated by Biodiversity Minister Barry Gardiner at Edinburgh's Dynamic Earth centre. |
| This unit sends the clear message - we will not tolerate wildlife crime in the UK Biodiversity minister Barry Gardiner | This unit sends the clear message - we will not tolerate wildlife crime in the UK Biodiversity minister Barry Gardiner |
| Lothian and Borders Police will host the multi-agency operation which will gather, analyse and co-ordinate wildlife crime intelligence. | Lothian and Borders Police will host the multi-agency operation which will gather, analyse and co-ordinate wildlife crime intelligence. |
| Mr Gardiner commented: "Stepping up the unit's remit will facilitate a greater numbers of prosecutions and go a long way in the fight to stamp out wildlife crime, but this is not something we can do alone. | Mr Gardiner commented: "Stepping up the unit's remit will facilitate a greater numbers of prosecutions and go a long way in the fight to stamp out wildlife crime, but this is not something we can do alone. |
| "This unit sends the clear message: we will not tolerate wildlife crime in the UK." | "This unit sends the clear message: we will not tolerate wildlife crime in the UK." |
| In February, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) committed a further £200,000 to the unit, enabling it to expand. | In February, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) committed a further £200,000 to the unit, enabling it to expand. |
| Recognised | Recognised |
| First piloted in 2002, it was originally run from within the National Criminal Intelligence Service to gather and analyse national and international intelligence with the support of Defra, the Scottish Executive, the Association of Chief Police Officers, HM Revenue and Customs and the Home Office. | First piloted in 2002, it was originally run from within the National Criminal Intelligence Service to gather and analyse national and international intelligence with the support of Defra, the Scottish Executive, the Association of Chief Police Officers, HM Revenue and Customs and the Home Office. |
| As part of its future operations, a team of investigative support officers will also directly support the work of police wildlife crime officers across the UK police forces. | As part of its future operations, a team of investigative support officers will also directly support the work of police wildlife crime officers across the UK police forces. |
| Barry Fryer, Chief Superintendent of the RSPCA's Special Operations Unit, said: "We welcome that the government has recognised the importance of fighting wildlife crime by increasing the role of this unit." | Barry Fryer, Chief Superintendent of the RSPCA's Special Operations Unit, said: "We welcome that the government has recognised the importance of fighting wildlife crime by increasing the role of this unit." |
| David Cowdrey, director of UK's Wildlife Trace Campaign, said: "Stamping out wildlife crime in the UK is a vital step toward protecting the world's biodiversity." | David Cowdrey, director of UK's Wildlife Trace Campaign, said: "Stamping out wildlife crime in the UK is a vital step toward protecting the world's biodiversity." |