Neighbourhood policing teams and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) have stepped up efforts to tackle a surge in catapult-related crimes, targeting individuals suspected of using the weapons to injure people, harm wildlife, or cause criminal damage.

Officers across London and surrounding areas are seizing catapults and associated ammunition such as ball bearings, arresting suspects where appropriate, in response to a growing wave of public concern over the widespread misuse of these weapons.

Chief Inspector James Ross said: “Since the beginning of June, we have received an average of 14 contacts per day relating to the use or possession of catapults. While some reports may refer to the same incident, we believe this is an under-reported issue.

“It is not illegal to possess a catapult, but if our officers suspect it is being used to commit crime or antisocial behaviour, they will not hesitate to seize and destroy it, and to take robust action against offenders.”

Ross stressed the importance of community vigilance: “We are very grateful to everyone who reports incidents to us. This intelligence helps us deploy patrols effectively and identify persistent offenders.”

Wildlife Attacks Reaching ‘Crisis Point’

The police crackdown comes amid mounting alarm from conservation groups and volunteers who say catapult violence is escalating to crisis levels, particularly in South East London and parts of Kent.

Greenwich Wildlife Network, a community-led volunteer group, has logged dozens of harrowing incidents in recent months involving swans, ducks, squirrels, pigeons, and even domestic cats being maimed or killed by catapult-wielding individuals.

Rae Gellel, founder of the Greenwich Wildlife Network, said: “This has been going on for months — the same culprits, the same parks, the same weapons — and yet nothing changes. We’ve provided police with CCTV footage, photos, even named suspects, but follow-up is rare.”

Gellel revealed that the group plans to launch a fresh petition calling for tighter regulation of catapults, including restrictions on public carrying and sales. “How can legislation be adequate when this cruelty continues unchecked?” she said. “We’ve protested, petitioned, reported hundreds of incidents. Still, no meaningful action.”

Call for Stronger Legislation

While current laws do not prohibit owning or carrying catapults, there is growing pressure on lawmakers to impose tighter controls. Campaigners argue that existing legislation is insufficient to prevent their misuse for antisocial and criminal acts.

Gellel added: “We need Parliament to recognise the serious harm being done. Without new laws, these individuals will continue to terrorise wildlife and communities with impunity.”

Police have urged residents to continue reporting incidents via 101 or online platforms, stressing that community information is vital to targeting hotspot areas.