Hunting regulator's offices broken into, but investigators rule out foul play
Only a small amount of money is kept there
Updated 3.24pm
Workers at the Wild Birds Regulation Unit in Sta Venera went to work to discover their offices had been broken into on Tuesday morning.
A member of staff noticed the break-in on Tuesday at about 8am. Filing cabinets were open and files were found strewn on the floor.
Police investigators were immediately called in as concerns mounted that the break-in was related to evidence tampering, given the WBRU's role.
The office heads investigations into violations of hunting and trapping laws and wildlife crime.
However, a police investigation quickly ruled that out as a motive.
Solidarjetà mal-uffiċjali tad-WBRU hekk kif kmieni dalgħodu ġie nnutat li sar żgass fl-uffiċini tagħhom f'Santa Venera. Bħalissa għaddejja investigazzjoni mill-Pulizija. L-uffiċini ser ikunu magħluqin għall-pubbliku sakemm jinħareġ avviż ieħor - CC
— Clint Camilleri (@Clint_Camilleri) October 29, 2019
A thorough search of the offices found that only some equipment had been stolen and it did not appear as though any sensitive files or documents had gone missing.
Only a small amount of money is kept at the office, and sources said this had already been deposited prior to the break-in.
The Secretariat for Animal Welfare said the office will be kept closed all day.