WSPA boost Police Wildlife Crime Unit
The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) has directly funded the expansion of a specialist unit of the Metropolitan Police Service. The current strength of the Wildlife Crime Unit (WCU) is one Sergeant, one Constable and one member of police auxiliary staff. The WSPA's generosity has allowed for the assignment of an additional Constable and an additional staff member.
This unusual involvement of a charity in directly funding a Police unit came after the WSPA's UK arm grew concerned at the effect UK-wide Austerity reforms would have on tackling wildlife crime. DEFRA Minister Richard Benyon has attempted to secure the WCU's future in Parliament at the national level, but the London unit has been hit particularly hard by increased strain on resources and the impending retirement of current officers. In light of the economic climate and budget cuts, additional centralised funding was not deemed feasible.
Welcoming the news, Head of the Metropolitan Police Wildlife Crime Unit Sergeant Ian Knox said "I am delighted that the World Society for the Protection of Animals has decided to contribute a significant amount of money to the Wildlife Crime Unit. The extra funding will pay for more staff so we can be more proactive in targeting criminals who seek to exploit animals for financial gain. We will also be able to provide additional support and training to Wildlife Crime Officers across London which will ensure that the Met has the capability to tackle crimes against animals in the future."
WSPA UK Head of External Affairs Simon Pope added "WSPA believes that the knowledge contained in the WCU is an irreplaceable asset to London, national and international enforcement communities. We know that our supporters and Londoners want to see wildlife criminals bought to justice, so it seemed vital now more than ever to safeguard the future of this specialist unit."
The Metropolitan Police have seized in excess of 30,000 endangered species items since 1995, including thousands of pounds worth of raw ivory products that included 24 whole elephant tusks. They were also responsible for the world's largest ever seizure of rhino horn in Kensington last year in which 129 individual horns were confiscated.
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