Raid seizes collection of 5000 wild birds’ eggs

Jul 2 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

THOUSANDS of wild birds’ eggs have been seized during a raid on a house in West Lothian.

In a joint operation involving the National Wildlife Crime Unit, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Lothian and Borders Police and Tayside Police, more than 5000 eggs were taken from a house in Torphichen.

The eggs were recovered, along with egg collecting equipment, during the operation which took place last Wednesday.

It has not yet been revealed which species the eggs belonged to, but it’s thought they come from a wide range of birds and may include those of rare varieties such as peregrine falcon.

A spokesman for RSPB said: “The evidence that has been gathered is being sifted through to establish the full facts and, with a collection of this size, that will take some time.

“The police are now progressing this as a criminal investigation.

“First and foremost this type of activity is illegal – and for a good reason, as it impacts on the ability of breeding birds to maintain their population levels.

“Egg collecting belongs in the past and there has been good progress in consigning it to that era.”

Linlithgow MSP Mary Mulligan, said it’s vital that action is taken to protect wildlife.

She said: “Our wild birds bring pleasure to so many people and we need to make sure that they are fully protected.

“I welcome the action the police have taken in this case and hope that it sends a strong message that the theft of eggs from nests will not be tolerated.”

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said: “A house in Torphichen was searched and over 5000 eggs and egg collecting paraphernalia was seized.

“A 57-year-old man has been reported to the procurator fiscal.”