I refer to the letter from WPS Roberta Grima on behalf of the Police Commissioner (January 16) relating to report: ‘Police failing to act over “massive” illegal night trapping – CABS.’

Firstly CABS welcomes the change in ALE working hours to deal with illegal night-time trapping of plovers.

We would like to clarify – in contrast to the statement of the Commissioner – that our report does not state that the ALE (Administrative Law Enforcement unit) never responded to our night time reports.

The issue relates to district police declining to act upon illegal trapping sites during the night, as there was no ALE on duty.

With regard to our reports from the Delimara area, the ‘numerous illegalities’ committed there – as confirmed by the police – are well known yet the crimes still continue, showing that obviously not enough action is being taken.

Additionally, the trapping sites that were active at night last November and December were not acted upon by the district police.

In relation to the CABS/ALE joint operations conducted in April and September we can confirm they have been very successful and led to the confiscation of several dozens of Quail callers as well as uncovering other offences related to illegal hunting. So we have been astonished to learn that in November and December enforcement during the night was nearly at zero.

CABS cannot agree with the police statement that “the number of illegalities in connection with night trapping is low”. Since November we reported 17 incidents to the police and 12 sites have been found active at night but the artificial lures were switched off before the police could be called.

Almost all incidents involved the use of electronic bird callers for Golden Plover and were videoed as evidence.

These 29 cases would represent just a sample of the real amount.

We want to stress our respect and gratitude for the professional work of the ALE and we are confident its presence at night will be very helpful to curb illegal trapping of nocturnal birds.

We look forward to continued successful work with the police and other Maltese enforcement bodies.