The Malta Ranger Unit (MRU) has issued a warning on illegally placed CCTV cameras which are hindering poaching cases within public spaces.

In its latest statement, the MRU explained how poaching cases are many times hindered by such illegal CCTVs placed in public roads and areas. In light of this, the MRU has started to document and report illegal CCTVs which are pointing towards public roads, especially in areas prone to poaching and other environment crimes.

“This is a widespread issue in Malta and it increases the impunity that poachers and other environmental criminals enjoy,” the MRU said in a statement. 

“Unattended filming (unlike the one our Rangers do when filming after having spotted a crime), such as CCTV, has to point only to the entrance of private land, to register who enters their property, and not in any way register public land and people walking there,” it explained.

As the rangers monitor the various areas the organisation takes care of, they are encountering such cameras on a daily basis, placed “seemingly with another intention than knowing who’s entering the landowners property”.

“Throughout the years, poachers are seen starting to pack up as soon as Law Enforcement Officers enter the outskirts of the area, seemingly tipped off by CCTV monitored by spotters.”

“This week, the MRU will submit several reports to the Comissioner for Data Protection with evidence of such CCTVs as well as cases where our Rangers walking in public space have been filmed and footage spread on social media forums to warn persons about their presence (so to not commit illegalities at that point) and some even inciting hatred towards them.”

The MRU concluded by urging the public to report rural CCTVs pointing towards public roads and pathways, assuring anonymity.

“You can send this to us anonymously and we will submit the report to the Commissioner of Data Protection,” it said. 

“We will continue to work for the environment in accordance with the law.”

If you would like to get in touch to place a report, contact the MRU via Whatsapp at 7937 8118.