The theft of 3,000 eggs on the Copeland Islands has led to the collapse of a
major seabird colony in one of Northern Ireland's most important
environmental sites.
Police, the Environment and Heritage Service and the Copeland Bird
Observatory have joined forces after news of the theft emerged.
Recently a large number of eggs - up to 3,000 - were reported as stolen by a
volunteer of the Copeland Bird Observatory.
This theft, mainly of
Black Headed Gull and Mew (or Common) Gull eggs, has led to a complete
failure of a major seabird colony.
This is not the first time the
Copelands, made up of three islands, have been targeted, with eggs stolen in
2003 and 2004.
Sergeant David Gowdy of Donaghadee station said: "
This crime is viewed by police as a crime not only against the wildlife of the
Islands but also against the local community who hold the Copeland Islands
dear to their hearts.
"In relation to the specific case of
Copelands I would ask all those involved with the marine environment to
contact Donaghadee Police Station if they become aware of anything
suspicious in the local vicinity."
Sgt Gowdy also said having
the support of the local community would make it difficult for thieves to go
undetected.
"Volunteer Staff at Copeland Bird Observatory have
worked tirelessly to provide a safe habitat for many different species of
birds and it is devastating to see their work ruined by callous thieves who
seem to have no comprehension of the damage they are inflicting," he
said.
"We are committed to working with the Environment and
Heritage Service and Copeland Bird Observatory to educate people about these
types of crime and put practices into place to put an end to thefts which
endanger the survival of any species."
If caught the thieves
could face a fine of up to £20,000.
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