Catapult crackdown approved after swan attacks

People carrying catapults in an area of Berkshire will be hit with fines following reports of swans and other wildlife being harmed.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) backed a three-year Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) granting wardens and police the power to issue £100 penalties.

The order, due to come into effect on 11 May, will cover the areas of Eton and Castle, Old Windsor, Datchet, Horton and Wraysbury.

Council papers cited Thames Valley Police data showing 41 catapult incidents and seven slingshot incidents linked to wildlife crime across the wider force area over a year.

Council leaders said the weapons had also been used to damage property and intimidate residents.

Thames Valley Police officers and council community wardens will be able to challenge people carrying catapults, confiscate them where appropriate and issue on-the-spot fixed penalty notices.

Breaches could also lead to prosecution and fines of up to £1,000.

The council said the crackdown followed evidence gathered with partners identifying repeat hotspots for anti-social behaviour involving the weapons.

A six-week public consultation attracted 1,479 responses, with 88% supporting the move.

Cabinet member for public protection Richard Coe said everyone has the right to enjoy the area's riversides and open spaces without feeling threatened.

"Residents and our local wildlife charities have highlighted damage to property as well as harm to animals as a result of this unacceptable anti-social behaviour," he said.

"That's why we decided to take action and are determined to give our community wardens and the police these powers to allow them to act quickly - confiscating catapults and issuing fines - so those who cause harm are stopped in their tracks and face real consequences."