The British Bases Police have put Operation Hunter into effect, a coordinated initiative aimed at supporting lawful and responsible hunting activity while cracking down on poaching, illegal hunting dog training and other related offences within the Sovereign Base Areas.
The operation has been in force since 23 August and will continue until 28 February 2027.
Its objective is the prevention and investigation of incidents involving poaching, the unlawful training of hunting dogs and other hunting-related offences, in close cooperation with the Bases Environment Department, the Game and Fauna Service of the Republic of Cyprus and the Cyprus Police.
With the hunting season now under way, the Dhekelia Police Station has issued an information notice to the public highlighting the risks involved and the penalties that may be imposed for breaches of the relevant legislation.
Particular emphasis is being placed on the illegal trapping of wild birds and the prohibited training of hunting dogs in areas where such activity is not permitted.
Drones and surveillance technology
Police announced that targeted patrols and operations based on intelligence will be carried out throughout the hunting season.
To support policing and enforcement efforts, authorities will deploy a range of technologies, including:
- Drones
- Surveillance equipment
- Body-worn cameras
- Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems
The technology will be used to help detect offences, gather evidence and support enforcement operations throughout the Bases.
Reminder to hunters
The police are reminding hunters of their legal obligations, including:
- Holding the necessary licences and permits
- Complying with authorised hunting dates
- Hunting only in permitted areas
At the same time, hunters are being urged to pay particular attention to public safety, the protection of wildlife and preventing damage to private property.
A "strict approach"
Chief Inspector Antonis Demetriou, head of Operations for the Akrotiri Sovereign Base Areas Police, warned that a strict approach will be taken towards poaching, the illegal training of hunting dogs and any activity that places the public, wildlife or property at risk.
"Close cooperation with the competent services, local authorities and communities will help us prevent criminal activity, secure the best available evidence and bring offenders before justice."
He also called on members of the public to report any suspicious hunting-related activity, including:
- Gunfire in prohibited areas
- The use of vehicles to pursue wild animals
- Illegal training of hunting dogs
- Suspected poaching incidents
"All reports will be assessed and dealt with according to the available information and the level of risk identified," Demetriou said.
He stressed that cooperation between authorities and the public would be essential in preventing offences and protecting both wildlife and public safety during the hunting season.
