The Department of Environment and Water (DEW) has partnered with Crime Stoppers SA to crack down on environmental crimes, including illegal dumping, illegal fishing in marine parks and native vegetation clearances.

As part of the two-year trial, an online portal has been launched to make it easier for the public to report environmental offences anonymously.

Tip-offs are assessed by the Crime Stoppers team and relevant DEW staff, who manage the state's National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The partnership will also provide targeted operations, including illegal wildlife trade, and intelligence gathering to better target proactive compliance efforts.

Director of Conservation and Wildlife at DEW Lisien Loan said the initiative would aid ongoing efforts to protect the state’s national parks and wildlife.

“We welcome this partnership, which will provide the public with greater opportunities to report environmental crimes,” Ms Lisien said.

“It will further ensure adequate protections and compliance are in place to protect our unique and much-loved biodiversity.”

A similar partnership in Western Australia has led to a significant increase in reporting of environmental offences through its secure online portal.

In 2022, Crime Stoppers SA received nearly 14,000 hotline calls and almost 5000 online tips, resulting in 347 apprehensions by police and 755 charges laid for various crimes.

Anyone who wishes to share a tip about an environmental crime can do so anonymously by visiting Crime Stoppers SA.