Fears grow over Shropshire hare coursing - police step up the fight

Police have stepped up efforts to tackle illegal hare coursing across Shropshire, with officers carrying out farm visits, rural patrols and checks on suspected offenders as part of a major crackdown.

The operation, known as Operation Snare, saw officers target rural crime hotspots across Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, with support from Gloucestershire Police.

As part of the latest action, officers visited 36 farms, offering crime prevention advice to help protect landowners and rural businesses from criminal activity.

Police also carried out bail checks on a number of people suspected of involvement in rural crime, with two individuals found to have breached their night-time curfews.

Officers additionally attended two reports of suspected hare coursing or animal poaching in Worcestershire. No arrests were made and investigations are continuing.

Hare coursing is a serious criminal offence which can cause significant suffering to wildlife, while leaving rural communities facing trespass, damaged farmland, intimidation and anti-social behaviour.

Police say they are increasingly seeing offenders using 4x4 vehicles to drive across farmland in a dangerous and anti-social manner.

Inspector Billy Keys, from West Mercia Police's South Prevention Hub, warned that vehicles used in this way could be seized, even after the incident.

He said: "Hare coursing is far from a victimless crime. It causes significant suffering to wildlife and can leave farmers and rural communities dealing with damaged land, intimidation and anti-social behaviour."

He added that working with neighbouring police forces, farmers and partner organisations was helping officers share intelligence, patrol hotspot areas and take action against offenders.

West Mercia Police is working alongside farmers and organisations including the National Farmers' Union and Worcestershire Wildlife Trust to strengthen its response to illegal hunting.

Rural residents, farmers and landowners are being urged to report suspicious activity, including 4x4 vehicles driving across fields, groups with sighthounds, trespassers and damage to crops, gates and fences.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or report it online at westmercia.police.uk. In an emergency, call 999.