🔵 Catapults, Wildlife & The Law – Know Where You Stand in Hounslow

We’ve recently received concerns about the use of catapults (slingshots) in public spaces, including incidents involving birds and local wildlife.

A catapult might seem harmless—but how and where it’s used can quickly make it illegal, with serious consequences.

✅ What is acceptable?

✔️ Owning a catapult at home
✔️ Using it safely on private land with permission, where lawful
✔️ Legitimate sporting use in appropriate settings

❌ What is NOT acceptable?

🚫 Targeting birds or wildlife
Most wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

🚫 Causing unnecessary suffering to any animal
An offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

🚫 Using catapults in public places
Creates risk and may amount to anti-social behaviour or criminal damage.

🚫 Carrying a catapult in public without good reason
Can be treated as possession of an offensive weapon, depending on intent.

⚖️ The Law – Possession in Public

Under the Prevention of Crime Act 1953, it is an offence to carry an offensive weapon in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.

👉 A catapult may be considered an offensive weapon if:

🚨 Possible Consequences

👍 What you should do

✅ Respect wildlife and shared spaces
✅ Report concerns early
✅ Speak to young people about risks and consequences
✅ Help keep your area safe

🚫 What you should NOT do

❌ Don’t target birds or animals
❌ Don’t carry catapults casually in public
❌ Don’t assume it’s harmless — intent matters

🤝 Strengthening Your Community – Neighbourhood Watch

If you’re not already part of a Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) group for your street, now is a great time to get involved.

👉 Visit: https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/

🔍 Find or Start a Local Group

➡️ Use this link to check if there is a group for your road:
https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/find-your-local-nw

Starting a group is simple and fully supported.

❓ Met Engage vs Neighbourhood Watch – What’s the difference?

Met Engage
➡️ Two-way messaging from police
➡️ Updates on what your local teams are doing
➡️ Crime prevention advice and alerts

Neighbourhood Watch
➡️ Hyper-local — focused on your street
➡️ Builds real community connections
➡️ Residents often:

✅ You can (and should) do both — many across London already do.

📢 Call to Action

👉 Join or start your Neighbourhood Watch today
👉 Stay informed through Met Engage
👉 Help protect wildlife and keep your community safe

💬 Our Message

Hounslow’s parks and open spaces belong to everyone. Let’s keep them safe, respectful, and free from harm.

If you see misuse of catapults or harm to wildlife:

📞 101 (non-emergency)
🚨 999 in an emergency
💻 Report online via the Met website

👮‍♂️ Together, we can prevent harm, protect wildlife, and build stronger, safer communities.

#Hounslow #NeighbourhoodWatch #WildlifeProtection #CommunitySafety #KnowTheLaw

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