Man jailed after admitting cliff side Peregrine egg theft

A man has been jailed after abseiling down a quarry cliff face to steal Peregrine eggs.

Christopher Wheeldon was caught on hidden cameras – that had been set up by the RSPB to protect the falcons – as he abseiled down the limestone quarry near Bolsover in April 2023.

With officers alerted Wheeldon was identified and arrested. Search warrants were conducted at two addresses which found the clothing seen in the video – but sadly the three eggs he stole were not there and were never able to be retrieved.

Wheeldon, of Wheatley Gardens, Two Dales, admitted his part in the 23 April egg heist – and eventually pleaded guilty to intentionally disturbing Peregrine Falcons and taking the eggs.

Yesterday (15 January) the 34-year-old appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court where he was jailed for eight weeks for two counts relating to the birds.

He was also handed a further ten weeks in prison for a number of shop thefts he committed following stealing the eggs.

Sergeant Chris Wilkinson, who leads the force’s Rural Crime Team, said: “The nesting sites of these beautiful birds of prey are protected in law for a reason. Peregrines are an endangered species and groups, including the RSPB, have been working hard to ensure they are free from persecution and able thrive in Derbyshire.

“The efforts made by the RSPB, Derbyshire Constabulary, National Wildlife Crime Unit and the Animal and Plant Health Agency to secure the conviction and subsequent sentence handed down by the courts, goes to show that we will go above and beyond to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”

Thomas Grose, RSPB Investigations Officer, said: "Peregrine Falcons represent the epitome of being wild and free and it is this very characteristic that makes them such a target for criminals involved in the illegal falconry trade, earning money from the laundering and trading of these birds overseas.

“The theft of Peregrine eggs and chicks has been a persistent threat to these birds in Derbyshire. This case is a great example of organisations working together to bring those responsible to justice.

“Without dedicated volunteers and the efforts of Derbyshire Constabulary this would have been just another failed nest. I hope this sends the message that we are watching and will continue our efforts to protect these amazing birds of prey.”