Latest news with #SMV
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Sheep used to maintain ancient grazing rights
A flock of sheep has been enjoying one of Bristol's popular open spaces for the day to help keep an historic grazing law alive. Three ewes and three lambs joined primary school children and residents on Durdham Down so that local groups and householders could exercise their rights to graze their sheep on the land. According to the Downs Act of 1861, commoners must tether at least one sheep for one day every five years to keep the privileges alive. Anna Stevens, from Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project, said: "There's always been a bit of mystery about exactly how often it has to be done - however we go with every five years because it's easy to remember." More news stories for Bristol Watch the latest Points West Listen to the latest news for Bristol Nearly 450 acres of open grassland was bought by the Society of Merchant Venturers (SMV) and the city council between 1700 and 1860, according to Robert Bournes from the SMV. "The Merchant Venturers bought what was called the Manor of Clifton and the city council bought the Manor of Henbury and they're alongside each other here on the Downs," he said. "In 1861 [they] decided to put their resources together under the Downs Act - to look after the Downs for the benefit of the people of Bristol." Under the act, 13 groups or individuals who have property bordering the Downs have the right to let loose up to 1,885 sheep on the grassland. These include the University of Bristol Botanic Gardens, Badminton School, Trinity College, St Monica Trust as well as individual householders. Historically, hundreds of sheep were grazed on the Downs and up until 1925 a full-time shepherd was employed to look after them. But as the volume of motor traffic increased it started putting livestock at risk and the flocks were removed. Shepherdess Melinda Baker, who travelled up to Bristol from Somerset with her small flock of sheep, said it was a "historical right of commoners". "The sheep look very fitting here," she said. "Unfortunately in modern-day life, we can't have them here free ranging, but in a pen for today it's just perfect." In a bid to keep the medieval rights of pasturage alive, the flock of of black Welsh mountain sheep were joined by more than 80 children from local schools. Seven-year-old Ted, said the school trip to the Downs had been "very cool". "We've been exploring the place and some people have been feeding the lambs and sheep," he said. "[The sheep] are very clumsy and we keep stepping in their poo and everyone finds it very disgusting." Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Ancient goats help protect rare Avon Gorge plants Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife
Business Insider
02-05-2025
- Business Insider
INTERPOL tracks down 150 stolen vehicles from Canada to Nigeria, other African countries
The INTERPOL has cracked down on car theft, resulting in the total discovery of 150 stolen vehicles, primarily from Canada, being smuggled into Nigeria and other West African nations. Operation Safe Wheels discovered 150 stolen cars, primarily from Canada, smuggled into Nigeria and other West African nations INTERPOL's Stolen Motor Vehicle database revealed that most stolen vehicles detected originated from countries like Canada, France, Germany, and the Netherlands The operation involved 12 West African countries, including Ghana and Nigeria, and targeted the illicit trade of stolen vehicles The discovery came during an INTERPOL operation code-named Operation Safe Wheels, a two-week initiative in March 2025 involving 12 West African countries, including Ghana and Nigeria, which uncovered dozens of stolen vehicles across the region. The operation has led to the seizure of more than 75 vehicles so far. Globally, hundreds of thousands of vehicles are stolen every year, often becoming part of a larger illicit trade. According to INTERPOL, most stolen vehicles detected through their database originated from countries like Canada, with others reported stolen in France, Germany, and the Netherlands. In 2024 alone, around 270,000 vehicles were identified as stolen worldwide using INTERPOL's Stolen Motor Vehicle (SMV) database. This database enables police in 196 member countries to instantly verify if a suspicious vehicle has been reported stolen. David Caunter, Director of Organized and Emerging Crime at INTERPOL, emphasized the significance of the SMV database, saying: " Each year, hundreds of thousands of vehicles are stolen around the world, yet the initial theft is often only the beginning of a vehicle's journey into the global criminal underworld." " Stolen vehicles are trafficked across the globe, traded for drugs and other illicit commodities, enriching organized crime groups and even terrorists. INTERPOL's SMV database is the strongest tool we have to track stolen vehicles and identify the criminals involved in this global trade." Stolen cars smuggled to Africa Law enforcement agencies in 12 participating countries conducted a two-week operation, setting up an average of 46 checkpoints daily to inspect 12,600 vehicles against INTERPOL's Stolen Motor Vehicle database. The operation uncovered several stolen vehicles, predominantly Toyota, Peugeot, and Honda models, trafficked via land and sea routes. In one notable incident, Nigerian Customs Service officers discovered six stolen vehicles – Toyota and Lexus models – in freight containers from Canada. INTERPOL's database confirmed these vehicles were reported stolen in Canada in 2024, prompting ongoing investigations between Nigeria and Canada. The operation, dubbed "Safe Wheels," was supported by INTERPOL's SMV Task Force and funded by the Government of Canada under the "Project Drive Out" partnership, aimed at combating vehicle theft and illicit spare part trade.
