The breeding populations of many raptor species in Wales reached low points between 1850 and 1950 as a result of three direct forms of human impact: (i) persecution (such as shooting, trapping and nest destruction), (ii) the theft of eggs and (iii) the removal of chicks from nests. These activities led to the temporary eradication of some species and significant negative impacts on distribution and populations of others. Most species are now in recovery. This paper summarises confirmed incidents of these activities collected by the RSPB over three decades (1990‐99, 2000‐09 and 2010‐19). The number of egg‐ and chick‐thefts recorded has almost ceased since 2010 and the number of persecution incidents has been lower since 2000 than in the 1990s. However, the decreasing trend has not continued and the number of incidents involving the abuse of pesticides/poisons was highest in the most recent decade of the three reviewed. The rate of reduction in persecution is not uniform across all parts of Wales. We found a strong association between the occurrence of raptor persecution events in 10‐km squares and the presence of land managed for driven shooting of Pheasant Phasanius colchicus, Red‐legged Partridge Alectoris rufa and Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus. The role of persecution on population size and distribution of raptors in Wales is discussed.