Four arrested as forces step up action on hare coursing

Police are stepping up efforts to tackle illegal hare coursing after harvest, as officers warn open fields leave wildlife more vulnerable and rural communities at greater risk of trespass and damage.

West Mercia Police has launched Operation Snare during National Rural Crime Action Week, bringing together rural crime officers, farmers and organisations including the NFU and Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.

The operation comes as four people were arrested in a separate suspected hare coursing incident near Odiham, Hampshire.

Three men and a 15-year-old boy were detained after officers were called at 11pm on Friday 4 September to reports of a Honda CR-V being driven around a field near Hayley Lane, Long Sutton.

It was reported that people inside the vehicle were shining a lamp and were believed to be hare coursing.

Officers attended and located the vehicle, where they found three lurcher-type dogs and a number of lamps.

The dogs were taken to kennels and the vehicle was seized.

A 46-year-old man from Shepperton, a 31-year-old man from Maidstone and a 22-year-old man from Tonbridge were arrested on suspicion of participating in a hare coursing event, entering land as a trespasser at night with poaching equipment and driving while over the alcohol limit.

The 15-year-old boy from Maidstone was arrested on suspicion of participating in a hare coursing event and entering land as a trespasser at night with poaching equipment.

All four have been bailed with conditions while further enquiries are carried out.

West Mercia Police said hare coursing is often associated with organised criminality and can cause severe animal welfare harm, as well as damage to farmland, trespass and anti-social behaviour.

The force said the risk is particularly high after harvest, when fields are more open and hares and deer are easier to spot.

Harvests have taken place earlier than usual this year following heatwaves across the UK.

Inspector Billy Keys, of West Mercia Police's Prevention Hub South, said: “Hare coursing is a cruel and harmful activity that is particularly prevalent post-harvest in our countryside.

“West Mercia Police, working with farmers, rural communities and partners, is targeting those responsible in Operation Snare.”

The force said it had also received more reports of organised offenders using off-road vehicles to trespass on land, sometimes causing damage to farms and intimidating farmers.

Keys said: “We are also seeing more reports of organised offenders using off road vehicles to trespass on land, sometimes accompanied by damage to farms and intimidation to farmers.”

As part of Operation Snare, officers will increase patrols at key times and locations.

Police also plan to use powers under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 where appropriate, including seeking Criminal Behaviour Orders and seizing vehicles used in an anti-social manner or in connection with hare coursing.

Farmers, landowners and rural residents are being urged to report suspicious vehicles crossing farmland, groups with sighthounds, trespassers, damaged crops and criminal damage to gates, fences or other property.

Police have asked witnesses to provide as much information as possible, including vehicle registration numbers, descriptions, the number of occupants and details of any dogs involved.

Keys also warned people not to put themselves at risk while gathering evidence.

“Photographs and video footage are useful too but please only take these if it safe to do so. Do not put yourself or others at risk and never approach, challenge or attempt to stop anyone involved. Call the police and let us investigate.”