Wildlife crimes are increasing in Britain

Between February and July this year, the NWCU recorded 241 incidents of badger persecution – nearing the total for 2008, which was 280.

Head of the NWCU, detective inspector Brian Stuart, said cases are now being reported at a rate of 120 a week: ?The NWCU has seen a significant rise in incidents compared with last year. A major factor in this increase is the better recording practices within the police service. There is anecdotal evidence that wildlife crime is on the increase, particularly in those areas that have historically reported and recorded wildlife crime consistently.?