Crime Stoppers of Halton is joining the effort to combat crime against wildlife and nature.

This initiative follows the signing of an agreement between the Canadian Crime Stoppers Association and Environment and Climate Change Canada to combat poaching and stop the destruction of federally protected wildlife.

Today wildlife crime nets illicit revenues totaling US$155 billion and is the world’s fourth most lucrative criminal enterprise ranking behind the illegal drug trade, human trafficking and counterfeiting, says Detective Constable Jodi Richmond, coordinator of Halton’s Crime Stoppers program.

“Money generated from the smuggling and trafficking of animals and plants helps finance organized crime groups in countries around the world, including Canada,” Richmond said.

“Although criminal groups and military regimes are involved in poaching and other wildlife crime in third world countries, there are organized criminals reaping profits in Canada by harming animals and plant life,” she said.

Lonny Coote, regional director of the Wildlife Enforcement Directorate headquartered in Burlington, said Canadian species such as the polar bear, narwhal and walrus, along with certain plants from national wildlife areas and migratory bird sanctuaries are at high risk of being targeted by organized crime groups.

The official memorandum of understanding was signed June 2 at the Canadian Crime Stoppers training conference attended by delegates from across the country at the Sheraton Hotel in Hamilton.

A news release from Environment and Climate Change Canada said the agreement sets a foundation for strategic and technical cooperation, including joint public awareness projects and the support of 87 Crime Stoppers programs from coast to coast.

Anyone who has information about wildlife or environmental crime can now provide the information anonymously to local Crime Stoppers programs, including Crime Stoppers of Halton, by calling the tip line at 1-800-222-8477.

“This collaboration with Crime Stoppers will support the conservation of wild species and help ensure the law-abiding citizens who depend on wildlife for enjoyment, recreation and their livelihoods will have the opportunity to do so for generations,” the news release stated.

“Today marks an important day for wildlife in Canada,” said Sheldon Jordan, Director General of Wildlife Enforcement for Environment and Climate Change Canada. “Working together, we are stronger in the fight against poachers, polluters, smugglers and traffickers of wildlife and habitats.”

He said by reporting wildlife crime to Crime Stoppers, Canadians can help protect our environment, which we all depend on.

David Forster, president of the Canadian Association of Crime Stoppers, said Crime Stoppers is pleased to partner with the Wildlife Enforcement Directorate of Environment and Climate Change Canada to protect plants and animals.

Forster added that Crime Stoppers programs across Canada will work within their communities to educate and take tips anonymously on criminal activity related to crimes against wildlife.

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