Police issue catapult warning to parents

14 hours ago

Bob Dale

BBC News, South East

Carrying a catapult is not currently a crime, but harming wildlife or property with one is

Getty Images A teenage boy wearing a black hoody prepares to fire a missile from a pink catapult — Carrying a catapult is not currently a crime, but harming wildlife or property with one is

Schools in Kent have received a letter from police, asking them to warn parents about catapult crime.

The letter said there had been an increase in the weapons being used to harm or kill wildlife and damage property, "possibly in response to social media".

It said catapults can be handed in to local beat officers.

A wildlife campaigner has asked police in Surrey and Sussex to send similar letters.

In the letter Kent Police said: "While carrying a catapult is not a criminal offence, its use may lead to criminal liability", and said parents should "dissuade" children from leaving home with a catapult.

In June Spelthorne Borough Council in Surrey introduced a public space protection order, with anyone caught carrying a catapult facing a fine.

Insp Joe Breen of Kent Police said: "The use of catapults to harm wildlife and cause criminal damage is a national issue that has also been reported in Kent, and we are keen to ensure children and their parents are aware of the risk.

"We are grateful to everyone who heeds our advice, which forms part of our overall approach to tackling offences involving catapults that can also include seizing items and making arrests."

Hundreds of wild birds, such as this swan, have been injured or killed by people using catapults

Sheperton Swan Sanctuary Swan at Shepperton Sanctuary recovering from a catapult attack. The bird has a large bruise around its eye. — Hundreds of wild birds, such as this swan, have been injured or killed by people using catapults

Danni Rogers, from Camberley, a volunteer at Shepperton Swan Sanctuary, has been trying since January 2024 to have the act of carrying a catapult in public criminalised.

His campaign began after dealing with dead or injured birds, and he has written to the forces of Sussex and Surrey, asking them to follow Kent's lead.

He said: "Kent has been one of the hot spots in the last 18 months so it's good to see proaction rather than reaction.

"To get the kids talking about it and know the laws, they will approach an adult or authority and report those who have decided to use catapults."

Danni Rogers, pictured with Surrey Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, wants the carrying of catapults in public made a crime

Shepperton Swan Sanctuary Ellie Vesey-Thompson and Danni Rogers at Shepperton Swan Sanctuary. They are standing on a jetty on a reservoir, both wearing blue outdoor summer clothing. — Danni Rogers, pictured with Surrey Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, wants the carrying of catapults in public made a crime

Sussex Police said it recognised "the impact to our communities and wildlife through dangerous use of catapults".

It said: "The number of incidents where a catapult is used to harm wildlife is low in Sussex, however we work in partnership with other forces to support initiatives that further reduce this type of crime.

"We also encourage parents to speak with their children about these issues."

In a statement Surrey Police said: "Offences involving catapults tend to be under reported and we would encourage reports of offences and even persons carrying catapults as it helps build up a picture.

"The local team will increase patrols where peak time or days are identified."

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