In Thieves News we read about the burglary which took place between January 11 and 13 2025, Wide Eyes Falconry in Ashford is still counting the cost. Valuable items were stolen and the wildlife center was damaged, vandalising it and vital to teaching the community about birds of prey and conservation.
Background of Wide Eyes Falconry
Before we read about the Thieves News about Wide Eyes Falconry, first we should take a look at their background. Luke and Angela set up Wide Eyes Falconry CIC to get the community educated about birds of prey through hands-on falconry experiences.
Wildlife conservation, expanding appreciation of these marvellous birds, and raising spiritual and other awareness about the environment enables the center to exist.
Our programs engage young people in exploring and understanding how they relate to nature, and how their actions positively or negatively impact on our natural heritage.
Details of the Burglary
Now let;s take a look at Thieves News about Wide Eyes Falconry, Wide Eyes Falconry in Ashford was burgled between January 11 and 13 2025 with almost £22,000 worth of equipment stolen and the environmental classroom extensively damaged.
And an investigation is underway by Kent Police who are also asking for information or CCTV footage from the public. To aid with the falconry centre’s recovery efforts the community has started a GoFundMe campaign.
Impact on Wildlife and Community
The Thieves News about Wild Eyes Falconry we read that the lost equipment and environmental damage have long had a negative effect on the birds of prey at Wide Eyes Falconry in Scottsdale, Arizona, as a result of the burglary.
The immediate effect on their health and well being is worrying staff with at least 30 birds affected. This incident has been emotionally taxing on our staff and community, many of which are heartbroken about losing a place to teach children about wildlife in a safe place.
Police Investigation Efforts
After the Thieves News about Wild Eyes Falconry between January 11 and 13, 2025 at Wide Eyes Falconry in Kent has now been investigated by Kent Police.
The public is asked to assist through the collection of evidence on site by officers and they are also collecting evidence.
They are asking anyone with any information, CCTV or dashcam footage to contact them on 01843 222289 and quote 46/7415/25 to help identify the perpetrators and recover the stolen items.
Community Support Initiatives
After Thieves News about Wild Eyes Falconry made public a GoFundMe has been launched to give £8,000 to the center to help recover from the Wide Eyes Falconry burglary.
With casting that is always so emotional, the campaign really underscores the pride that the family run business has for trying to make it safe and an enjoyable environment for people to learn about birds of prey.
It has been a community effort, with strong support from the community that shares a commitment to restoring the falconry center and carrying on the important educational work it does.
Previous Incidents of Theft in Falconry Centers
Its the latest in a worrying gang of wildlife thefts in UK establishments. In 2023 4 735 wildlife crimes involving both harm to animals and the taking or carrying away of valuable equipment, were recorded. The increase is a result of an explosion in neglect and violence against wildlife combined with a big reduction in convictions for such offences. Conservation groups, however, say to bolster reporting and enforcement of wildlife crimes, wildlife crimes must be notifiable offenses and vulnerable species and habitats need greater protection at all times.
The Legal Consequences of Wildlife Theft
As search of Thieves News about Wild Eyes Falconry move forward we should also take a look at the proceeding as well. In the UK, it is against the law to kill, injure, or take, wild animals or birds, unless the act is authorized by Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Under the Theft Act 1968 theft of wildlife or equipment used with it is a serious offence.
They could face up to six months’ prison and a £5,000 fine. Wildlife crimes are many strict liability offenses, which means intent is no longer a requirement for conviction, which serves to highlight the need to protect vulnerable species and habitats.
Thieves News about the Wild Eyes Falconry incident shows us the latest wildlife crime on top of the vulnerabilities of wildlife centres and the need for strengthened wildlife crime protection.
Roughly half of the World’s 700+ wild animal species are reliant on these institutions, and they cannot be sustained without community support.
