The sea eagle remains an endangered species

The Operation Easter initiative has run throughout the nesting season on the island since 1995.

Mull attracts egg thieves because of its population of eagles, particularly the white-tailed sea eagle, which was reintroduced to Scotland 20 years ago.

Strathclyde Police said changes to wildlife law had made it easier to crack down on the criminals.

However, the force still relies on the general public to help spot anyone suspicious.

Over the next six weeks the police and wildlife groups, aided by members of the public, will keep a round-the-clock watch on nesting sites.

The campaign is a prime example of the way in which a partnership approach and community engagement can prove successful Chief Superintendent Mitch Roger Strathclyde Police

Anything untoward is reported to wildlife liaison officer Constable Finlay Christine.

He said: "They basically stand guard on nesting sites throughout the island.

"The people who are not actually involved in the nesting watch itself - people like the postmen and the bus drivers and the CalMac ferry crews - they all phone in suspicious vehicles to me.

"Everyone is involved, it involves the whole island."

The number of sea eagle chicks hatched in Scotland doubled last year to 26.

However, they are still endangered and the Strathclyde force warned that stealing their eggs could lead to the birds' extinction.

Mull is home to a large proportion of Scotland's white-tailed sea eagles.

Community model

Strathclyde Police, who are leading the initiative, said wildlife crime was a core policing issue.

The whole community is involved in the scheme

Chief Superintendent Mitch Roger said: "The campaign is a prime example of the way in which a partnership approach and community engagement can prove successful.

"Strathclyde Police is delighted to be working with the Scottish Executive, the RSPB, Scottish National Heritage, Landrover and the people of Mull to ensure that the future of one of our rarest species of eagle is protected."

Dave Dick, senior investigation officer for RSPB Scotland, said: "Operation Easter has developed over the years as an excellent model of how we can work together to protect Scotland's birds and stop wildlife crime."

Funded by the Scottish Executive, the initiative also involves Forest Enterprise, Wings Over Mull Birds of Prey and Conservation Centre and local people who work together to track down the thieves.