Police warn youths over Wrexham catapult bird attacks 2026

Key Points

• North Wales Police Rural Crime Team is investigating claims that youths threw rocks at wild birds using catapults near the ponds of Stryt Las, Johnstown, Wrexham.
• The police have joined forces with wardens from Wrexham Council and are calling on witnesses to help identify those who have committed the crime.
• Police said hunting and injuring wild birds is a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which carries a jail term of up to six months and/or a fine of £5,000.
• The case is connected to Operation Lakeshot, which is a joint operation addressing the increasing number of crimes against wildlife conducted using catapults.
• According to the police, catapults are being used to kill or severely injure waterfowl (swans, geese, and ducks) as well as seagulls, wood pigeons and other wild birds.
• Operation Lakeshot stated that those involved in such crimes are mostly eight to 15 years old, however, this was not said explicitly about the suspects in this case.
• It was noted that the crimes happen not only near waterways but also from buildings, lampposts, tree tops and parking lots, in some cases even in the presence of bystanders.

Wrexham Police (Wales Times) November 3, 2026 – North uk/police/">Wales Police has warned that anyone found to have killed or injured wild birds with catapults or stones could face imprisonment and a fine, after reports of youths targeting birds at a popular Wrexham beauty spot.

As reported by North Wales Live/Daily Post, the force’s Rural Crime Team said it was investigating reports of youths using catapults and throwing stones at wild birds around the ponds at Stryt Las in Johnstown. The police said officers were working alongside Wrexham Council wardens and appealing for information that could identify those responsible.

In a statement issued by the Rural Crime Team, North Wales Police said: “The NWP Rural Crime Team is investigating reports of youths using catapults and throwing stones at wild birds around the ponds on Stryt Las, Johnstown.”

The force added: “Working alongside WCBC Wardens, officers are appealing for information that could help identify those responsible.”

What penalty could offenders face?

Police said the killing or injuring of wild birds is a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. They warned that a conviction can result in up to six months’ imprisonment and/or a £5,000 fine.

As reported by the Leader, the same legal warning was included in the force’s appeal for witnesses. The outlet reported that North Wales Police asked anyone with information to contact the force through 101 or its online reporting service, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Wrexham.com also reported the police warning, stating that the offence can lead to up to six months’ imprisonment and/or a £5,000 fine. The outlet said witnesses could contact police on 101, submit an online report, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Why has Operation Lakeshot been launched?

The Stryt Las investigation forms part of Operation Lakeshot, which North Wales Police described as “a partnership initiative responding to the growing trend of wildlife crime involving catapults”.

According to the police statement, catapults are being used to “illegally kill and inflict catastrophic injuries” on waterfowl, including swans, geese and ducks, as well as gulls, wood pigeons and other wild birds.

Wrexham.com described Operation Lakeshot as a UK-wide initiative aimed at tackling the growing use of catapults to fire at waterfowl. It reported that police said the weapons have been used to kill and injure swans, geese and ducks, along with gulls, wood pigeons and other wild birds.

The Leader reported that the initiative says catapults are being used to illegally kill and cause serious injuries to waterfowl and other birds.

Where have similar incidents been reported?

North Wales Police said these offences often take place in public spaces around ponds, lakes, rivers and canals. It said Operation Lakeshot incidents have expanded beyond waterways, with birds targeted from building roofs, lampposts, trees and in car parks, often where members of the public are present.

The force said those responsible are frequently aged between eight and 15. It did not state the ages of those suspected in the reported Stryt Las incidents.

The Leader likewise reported that Operation Lakeshot has highlighted cases in public spaces near ponds, lakes, rivers and canals, with young people aged between eight and 15 typically described as responsible. It also reported that birds have been targeted from roofs, lampposts and trees, and in car parks, including in areas where other people were present.

What is known about the wider operation?

Operation Lakeshot is a multi-agency initiative involving police and animal welfare organisations. The League Against Cruel Sports said its first working-group meeting brought together the National Wildlife Crime Unit, the RSPCA, Swan Lifeline and East Sussex Wildlife Rescue Ambulance Service.

The League’s head of intelligence, Russ Middleton, who chairs the Operation Lakeshot working group, said in a statement published by the organisation: “The use of powerful catapults shooting steel ball bearings is inflicting catastrophic injuries and killing waterfowl such as swans, geese, and ducks in our parks and on our waterways.”

He added: “This cruel practice needs to stop.”

Detective Inspector Mark Harrison of the National Wildlife Crime Unit said, according to the League Against Cruel Sports: “These crimes are not just causing deaths and horrific injuries to wildlife.”

He continued: “There is also a significant risk to people and property in the areas where these crimes are being committed and this normalisation of violence has further consequences as a gateway to other crimes.”

The League said its investigation found evidence of a “TikTok trend” involving teenage boys filming and sharing catapult attacks. It also said powerful catapults can be bought without age restrictions, and called for sellers to check buyers’ ages.

What does the law say about catapults?

Owning or carrying a catapult is not itself illegal in the United Kingdom. However, the League Against Cruel Sports said it is a criminal offence to use one to damage property, endanger people or harm animals.

The organisation said the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it an offence to kill, injure or take any wild bird, and to take, damage or destroy a wild bird’s nest. It said anyone convicted can be sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and/or fined up to £5,000.

A UK Parliament petition briefing also stated that wild birds, including pigeons, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence to kill or injure them, including with a catapult. It noted that certain birds may be killed by an authorised person in limited licensed circumstances, but that this should not involve catapult use.

The UK Government said it recognises concern about catapult misuse and was convening a roundtable to understand the problem and identify further action. It also said the National Wildlife Crime Unit attended the first Operation Lakeshot meeting in January 2026.

How widespread is the issue?

Operation Lakeshot figures reported by Veterinary Times recorded 137 catapult incidents across police forces in England, Wales and Scotland during the first three months of 2026. The publication reported that suspects were identified in 76 of those cases, while pigeons and ducks were among the most commonly targeted species.

The League Against Cruel Sports said Operation Lakeshot has become a central hub for data collection from police forces and rescue organisations. It encouraged veterinary professionals to report incidents through its Animal Crimewatch service.

The organisation has also said its research indicates catapult attacks are primarily carried out by small groups of children and young people, usually on foot or bicycles, although some older offenders have been linked to attacks from vehicles.

Background of the development

Stryt Las is a country park and beauty spot in Johnstown, near Wrexham, with ponds that attract wildfowl and other birdlife. The latest police appeal follows reports specifically concerning the ponds at the site, rather than a confirmed prosecution or conviction.

Operation Lakeshot was formed as a partnership response to catapult-related wildlife crime. The League Against Cruel Sports said the working group was created to raise awareness, gather intelligence, support enforcement and consider prevention measures, including education and possible legislative change.

The initiative has since expanded its work beyond waterfowl attacks near water. Police and partner organisations have reported incidents involving birds targeted in car parks, from roofs, lampposts and trees, and in public areas where other people are present.

How could this affect Wrexham residents?

For Wrexham residents and visitors to Stryt Las, the development may lead to greater police and council attention around the ponds, particularly if further reports are received. Officers have asked the public to provide information, which could result in more witness appeals, patrols or partnership work between North Wales Police and Wrexham Council wardens.

For parents, schools and youth organisations, the case highlights that using catapults against wild birds is not treated by police as harmless play. Under the law cited by North Wales Police, a person convicted of killing or injuring a wild bird can face imprisonment and a substantial fine.

For local wildlife volunteers, birdwatchers and park users, the reports may increase the importance of reporting incidents promptly and preserving accurate details such as time, location, descriptions and any footage. Operation Lakeshot partners have encouraged the public to call 999 if an incident is ongoing or urgent, and 101 to report an offence that has already happened.