How to report a wildlife crime

  • If you witness a suspected wildlife crime in action call 999 immediately 
  • In all other instances, call 101 for the non-emergency service and ask to speak to your local Wildlife Crime Officer
  • To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Try to provide as much information as possible, including:

  • What is happening
  • The exact location (a map reference, What 3 Words location local landmark can be useful)
  • The date and time of the incident
  • Who is involved (e.g. number of people, clothing worn, tools being carried or any dogs)
  • The make, colour and registration number of any vehicle
  • If it is safe to do so, take photos which may be used as evidence
  • For your own safety, do not approach suspects yourself or touch anything at the scene
  • Remember to ask the police for an incident reference number

Please note that Sussex Wildlife Trust can only report wildlife crimes that we have witnessed ourselves and/or which have taken place on our reserves. If you witness a wildlife crime on one of our reserves, please follow the steps above before contacting us to inform us. 

Sussex Police 

Sussex Police has a number of Wildlife and Rural Crime Officers (WRCOs) working across Sussex, all of whom perform the role alongside their day-to-day policing duties. They are supported by a dedicated Wildlife Crime and Rural Affairs operational lead, Sergeant Tom Carter. 

What is wildlife crime?

In general, a wildlife crime is any action which contravenes current legislation governing the protection of the UK’s wild animals and plants. The penalty can be an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison, or both.

Examples of wildlife crime include poisoning of wild animals or birds; disturbing or killing wild birds or taking their eggs; poaching; disturbing, killing or injuring bats; illegal use of poisons or snares; violence towards badgers.

Find out more about wildlife crime

Badger © Darin Smith
Badger © Darin Smith
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