Operation Easter 2026

Adur & Worthing Police

Good Morning Resident,

Operation Easter returns for its 29th year, bringing together police and conservation partners to tackle the illegal collection of wild bird eggs.

Despite decades of enforcement and education, this crime hasn’t disappeared. A small number of offenders still target the UK’s most vulnerable species, raiding nests and sometimes taking entire clutches. These eggs often end up hidden in private collections or traded internationally, causing lasting damage to conservation efforts.

In 2024, Operation Pulka uncovered a major international egg trading network:

• Coordinated warrants executed across the UK with around 20,000 eggs seized

• Further collections recovered in Australia and Norway

This highlights the ongoing demand, and the sophistication, behind this crime.

As the 2026 nesting season begins, officers will be working proactively to disrupt, deter, and prosecute those involved in egg theft, nest disturbance and other wildlife crimes targeting birds.

DI Mark Harrison, UK NWCU, said:

“Operation EASTER highlights the continued commitment of the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit and our partners to tackle the illegal taking of wild bird eggs.

"This is not a harmless pastime, it causes real harm to some of our most vulnerable species and undermines decades of conservation work.

"We will be working proactively throughout the nesting season to identify and disrupt those involved, and we urge the public to report any suspicious activity so we can take action.”

How you can help

• Report suspicious activity to police via 101 (ask for a Wildlife Crime Officer)

• Note descriptions, vehicle registrations, or take photos if safe

• Report anonymously via Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111

Protecting wildlife is a shared responsibility so if you see something suspicious, speak up.

Watch the video in the first comment to learn more about Operation Easter and why it matters.