WILTSHIRE Police have joined forces with the National Wildlife Crime Unit to stop eggs thieves raiding wild bird nests.

Wild birds are nesting at this time of year and Operation Easter aims to protect them and stop egg thieves and egg collectors.

It was developed in Scotland 20 years ago but now the operation is facilitated by the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) in conjunction with UK police forces and partner agencies.

The operation targets egg thieves by sharing intelligence across the UK to support enforcement action.

In recent years the operation has also been expanded to look at those who might take raptor eggs or chicks to launder into falconry; those who are suspected of disturbing nests for photography and those who trade eggs online.

Chief Inspector Martin Sims, the head of the NWCU, said: “The NWCU are committed to Operation Easter and working alongside partners and police forces helping to protect nesting bird sites and investigate all offences around eggs and chicks."

If you have information on any wild bird’s egg thieves, or those who disturb rare nesting birds without a licence, you should contact police by calling 101 and ask to speak to a wildlife crime officer if possible.

Nesting will be in full swing by April so please contact the police if you see anyone acting suspiciously around nesting birds, particularly those that nest in colonies.

Information can also be passed in confidence to Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111 or Wiltshire Police on 101.