PICTURED: Moment a protected peregrine falcon is stolen from nest

WILDLIFE crime officers have issued CCTV images of a man they want to speak to after a valuable peregrine falcon was taken from its nest

South Yorkshire Police and the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) launched a joint investigation after being notified of the bird going missing in May.

Now they are trying to trace the man in the photo.

Observations at a peregrine falcon nesting site in Anston showed that in April three eggs were laid, and further observations revealed that at least one of the eggs hatched, police said.

Officers were notified that one of the peregrine falcons had been taken from the nest on May 8.

Peregrine falcons are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and are listed on Schedule 1, which specifically protects them from disturbance.

A police spokesman said: “Extensive enquiries have been undertaken since the incident and officers are keen to identify those involved in the theft to prevent it from happening again.

“Police would like to identify and trace the individual pictured in the photographs and want to hear from anyone who may hold information about the theft.”

Chief inspector Martin Sims, head of the NWCU said: “The illegal trade in birds of prey is a UK Wildlife Crime priority and we continue to gather intelligence about those who make money by targeting wild birds and attempting to pass them off as legally captive bred birds.

“Trading illegally in species such as peregrine falcons carries up to five years imprisonment.

“We will target anybody who targets wild birds.”

Chief Supt David Hartley, South Yorkshire Police’s lead for wildlife crime, added: “Peregrine falcons are an iconic part of our countryside and this crime sees a premeditated exploitation of this for criminal profit.

“South Yorkshire Police has a highly trained team of wildlife crime officers and they have been dedicated to this investigation, supported by the National Wildlife Crime Unit.

“We will not tolerate this type of crime and we seek the public’s help in identifying those that are profiting from the wild birds we cherish.”

If you hold any information about this crime or can identify the individual pictured call the National Wildlife Crime Unit on 01506 833722.

You can also call 101 or email [email protected], or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting incident number 373 of 23 May 2015.