The Malta Ranger Unit (MRU) has raised the alarm over escalating intimidation attempts against its rangers, saying several reports have been filed with the police in the last month.
The MRU said that the reports it filed range from minor cases of intimidation to more severe ones.
It said that, on Thursday, a report had to be filed after its rangers suddenly found themselves being aggressively chased by a vehicle through a town in the west of Malta during dark hours.
The Unit said that it is reaching a point where it will have to make changes in its operations to be able to carry out their duties safely, adding that its funds are not endless.
“Whilst we have seen great support from the public, and had many successful cases, the frustration of the ones threatened by our operations is increasing,” the MRU said, adding that this is something expected, and that the unit needs the public’s help.
The MRU said it has initiated a fundraiser that would enable it to invest in safety measures, with one such measure being to have security with rangers during certain peak hours.
“We ask all our patrons to assist, by either donating or sharing. If we do not manage to secure funding for safety, our operations will have to be limited. Rest assured that this is the last thing we would resort to, however, our Rangers’ safety is what comes first,” it appealed.
The MRU said that its rangers are fully dedicated to safeguard the Maltese environment and have shown great results these last two years, and want nothing more than continuing to do so.
“We wish to make it clear, that every single attempt to intimidate our Rangers is reported to the Malta Police,” it said.
Those wishing to contribute can do so through the fundraiser link provided: https://gogetfunding.com/increased-safety-for-our-rangers/
Donations done via this site go directly to the Rangers, without any fees, the rangers said.