Catapults Crime Appeal

RURAL engagement officers investigating reports of people firing catapults in Belfairs Park Wood, Leigh are appealing for information.

 A man and two younger boys were said to be firing catapults on Saturday 11 January. The Essex Police Rural Engagement Team swiftly attended and officers patrolled the woods, speaking to families and dog walkers there.

 Sergeant Paul Brady says: “Belfairs wood is well-used by people of all ages.  The potential consequences of firing a catapult in this environment are unthinkable.

 “We’ve already been sent photographs of a squirrel that appears to have been killed by a catapult shot and we’re seeking to identify those responsible for this cruel crime.

 “We want to hear from anyone who was walking in the woods between 12.30 and 1.30pm on Saturday 11 January to contact us with information if you saw anything suspicious.

 “Most people want to enjoy the beautiful countryside our county has to offer, but an irresponsible few want to cause pain and suffering to the wildlife it contains.

 “They view it as harmless fun, but it is not. Cruelty to wildlife is illegal.

 “We need anyone who sees such activity to report it to us, either online via our website or by ringing 101 but, if it’s a crime in progress or there’s a danger to public safety, ring 999.”

 Operation Lakeshot is a national policing operation which focuses on education and preventing re-offending as well as detection and bringing offenders to justice.

 The RSPCA, the RSPB, the Environment Agency, the Metropolitan Police and the Angling Trust are involved with Operation Lakeshot and Essex Police also liaises with other forces via the National Wildlife Crime Unit.

 A spokesperson added: “Witnesses or anyone with information about the incident in Belfairs Park Wood are asked to quote incident 465 of 11 January when contacting Essex Police, to enable your information to get quickly to the investigating officer.

 “If you see anything which you feel needs police attention, or you have information about a crime or criminal activity, always ring 999 if it is an emergency or a crime in progress.

 “Otherwise, you can report it online at https://www.essex.police.uk/ro where you can also speak to an online Live Chat operator. Alternatively, you can ring 101.

 “You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, online or by calling 0800 555 111.

 “For more information and advice on rural crime visit our Rural Crime webpages at www.essex.police.uk/ruralcrime.”

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