Burnham-On-Sea Police’s former community beat officer says taking on the role of Avon and Somerset Police’s new Wildlife Officer is a ‘dream job’ for him.
PC Pete Wills has taken up the position after 22 years with the Force, having grown up in the countryside and always had a passion for wildlife.
He told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I was brought up on the Somerset Levels by two very keen walkers and conservationists, so I naturally fell into it and carried on with this lifestyle into adulthood.”
“I have been a voluntary Wildlife Crime Officer for 14 years, helping to investigate or advise other officers, so this is a natural progression for me.”
“I’m really pleased to be given this opportunity and I am excited about to being in a role where I am guaranteed to get my boots dirty.”
From getting training on animal handling from Bristol Zoo, to investigating wildlife offences against badgers, slow worms and newts, his first month has certainly not been quiet.
He has met with hunt monitor groups and hunt masters to open channels of discussion, as well as working with various partner organisations such as Exmoor Rangers, National Trust and Environment Agency. He has also started to bring together a network of local volunteers to help with his work.
PC Wills adds: “Wildlife crime is generally underreported, so a big part of my role is about raising the profile. Wildlife crime can be difficult to solve, as much of it occurs in remote locations where there are limited witnesses.”
“We get all sorts of crimes reported to us, from badger act offences, to water vowels and bats, as well as illegal hunting and poaching. I have looked at ivory importation to our area and we have previously investigated bird egg and butterfly collectors. It’s not just about animals though, as flora and fauna are protected too.”
In December he attended the National Wildlife Crime Enforcers Conference in Milton Keynes to learn about best practice in different parts of the country and see what could be adopted within Avon and Somerset.
PC Wills continues: “I obviously can’t do this all by myself, but I know there is a sea of people and agencies in the region that will be able to help me along the way. I hope to build a good working relationship with many of the key partners to help enhance the Force’s wildlife portfolio. I then hope to be able feed it all into the National Wildlife crime picture.”
PC Wills is supported by five officers that are also trained to advise on wildlife crime.
Find out more about wildlife crime here. Information about the Force’s ‘Farm Watch’ scheme can be found here. Information about the Force’s ‘Horse Watch’ scheme can be found here.
People living in rural communities are also being encouraged to look out for the signs of domestic abuse, as a report from the National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) reveals survivors living in more isolated rural areas are less likely to report it or ask for help. Find out more here.
