Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire Police working with surrounding forces to tackle hare coursing
It's as part of Operation Galileo that targets this crime
Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire Police say teaming up with neighbouring forces is making a difference in the fight against hare coursing.
They’re taking part in Operation Galileo – a crackdown across police forces to tackle illegal hare coursing in counties.
The response is led by the forces Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT).
We must do everything we can to keep our rural communities safe
In the past year officers have had almost 300 reports.
This has lead to thirty-three arrests, 15 dogs seized and 14 vehicles seized.
Operation Galileo seeks to protect rural communities from the stress and anxiety these offenders bring to their homes and land.
Hare coursing can cause thousands of pounds’ worth of damage to land and crops
Sergeant Thomas Smith, from The Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT) said:
“We must do everything we can to keep our rural communities safe."
“We will be working alongside other forces to ensure that hare coursers know they are not welcome in any county."
“Hare coursing can cause thousands of pounds’ worth of damage to land and crops, and landowners and farmers are often faced with unacceptable intimidation and violence."
“The RCAT team are dedicated to ensuring our communities are protected from this barbaric act, and that everything will be done to bring those involved to justice."
"We will be patrolling areas and acting on intelligence and reports of hare coursing."
“Tackling hare coursing takes significant effort, and while we recognise the many challenges our communities face, we remain committed to keeping people safe, protecting wildlife, and bringing offenders to justice”
Police are asking the public to remain vigilant during the hare coursing season and for any witnesses of hare coursing to call 999.