POLICE in Lancashire are warning against a different kind of egg collecting in the run up to Easter.

Gathering wild birds' eggs was a popular 19th century egg hobby, but was made illegal in 1954.

And to be in possession of an egg was also banned with the introduction of the Wildlife and Countryside Act in 1981, with fines of up to £5,000 per egg.

But according to police, egg collectors still continue to pose a significant threat to rare breeding birds across the country and officers have chosen the Easter period as a seasonal reminder to members of the public to be on the look out for thieves.

Force wildlife officer PC Maria Graham said: "Since the Countryside and Rights of Way Act of 2000, police have had new powers to arrest collectors of rare eggs. The courts have also been able to impose prison sentences and several offenders have been sentenced.

"Taking and possessing wild birds' eggs are both offences, with fines of up to £5,000 per egg or bird possible. Collectors can be fanatical, often travelling the country and going to extraordinary lengths in pursuit of the rarest eggs.

"Many will take it as a personal challenge to foil watchers and will spend hours and days waiting for the opportunity to strike."

Now PC Graham is asking the public to be vigilant in coming weeks and months and to alert the police about any suspicious activity near nesting areas in the county.

It is possible to have lawful possession of eggs provided it can be proved that they were collected before 1954.

Egg thefts have provoked concern amongst bird lovers East Lancashire for some time. In 1998, they were urged to be on their guard against thieves when the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds wrote to thousands of local members after peregrine nests were plundered.

And a Bury man faced magistrates in 1997 charged with stealing a protected bird's egg from a nest in the Trough of Bowland.

He was also accused of taking eggs from other rare wild birds, such as roseate tern on Anglesey, a golden eagle on the Isle of Skye and a chough on Anglesey as well as being in possession of egg blowing equipment.

Anyone with information, or who knows of someone with an illegal collection of eggs, can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.