British bases police netted a poacher for illegal bird trapping in the Pyla range of Xylophagou and he is now due to appear in court on September 19.

The Greek Cypriot was arrested on September 4 after the bases’ specialised unit – the community action team – spotted him retrieving ambelopoulia (black caps) from mists nets, which he allegedly set up.

Police officers scoured the area and further uncovered a bird imitating device, two iron poles, and nine recently killed black caps, among other items.

Pertev Karagozlou, acting superintendent who oversees the CAT, said this was an early warning to would-be trappers.

Speaking this week, he explained that: “The SBA police in Dhekelia has deployed the CAT for many years now [to] tackle any illegal activities related to hunting, especially bird trapping.

“We have worked tirelessly over the years alongside many dedicated partners, which include Bird Life Cyprus, the RSPCA and the Committee Against Bird Slaughter and we will not let up in our efforts.”

He further stated that following the arrest, the man was released on bail but will be back in court shortly “to answer for his crimes, as will anyone else caught undertaking this illegal activity”.