Police have launched a new operation to tackle hare coursing across the countryside as farmers are urged to remain vigilant following this year's harvest.
West Mercia Police has announced the start of Operation Snare, a campaign targeting the illegal practice of hare coursing, which officers say is often linked to organised criminality and can cause significant disruption in rural areas.
The operation is being carried out during National Rural Crime Action Week and will involve rural crime teams working with farmers and partner organisations including the National Farmers' Union and Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.
Police said harvested fields can leave hares and deer more exposed, making them easier targets for illegal coursing activity.
Inspector Billy Keys, of the Prevention Hub South, said hare coursing was a “cruel and harmful activity” that often increased after harvest.
He said officers were also seeing reports of organised offenders using off-road vehicles to trespass on farmland, sometimes causing damage and intimidating farmers.
As part of the operation, police will increase patrols in key rural locations and use a range of powers, including the seizure of vehicles linked to hare coursing offences and anti-social behaviour.
Farmers, landowners and rural residents are being urged to report suspicious activity, including vehicles driving across farmland, trespassers, groups with dogs and any damage to gates, fences or crops.
Anyone witnessing suspicious activity should contact police via 101 or online, or call 999 in an emergency.
Share