Cambridgeshire Police’s Rural Crime Action Team have issued an alert and advice to the public, following an increase in hare coursing after the recent wet weather.
They advise:
If you see coursing, lamping or poaching in progress, it’s a crime in action, so 999 it!
Where possible, please ensure you have the answers to the following questions:
1. How many people and/or vehicles can be seen and what is their descriptions?
2. Have any animals been seen to be pursued/chased or attempted to be pursued/chased?
3. Are any people and/or vehicles believed to be trespassing on land?
4. Why do you believe that these people and/or vehicles are involved coursing/lamping/poaching?
5. Are the people and/or vehicles stationary or are they travelling? (Is there a What.Three.Words? What is the direction of travel?)
6. Have any other offences believed to have been committed (i.e. criminal damage to crops, dangerous driving, offensive weapons, public order)?
You can find further information about hare coursing on the link below. If you are outside Cambridgeshire, much of it will still apply but you’ll need to contact your local police unless it is happening as an active crime, in which case, call 999.
https://www.cambs.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/illegal-hunting/types-of-illegal-hunting/
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