Police seek help identifying suspected hare coursers

Police are appealing for information following a series of criminal incidents linked to hare coursing and trespassing on private land in Therfield, north Hertfordshire.

Officers were called to Mill Lane at 1pm on Saturday 25 January after reports that several individuals were trespassing and causing significant damage to arable land with their vehicles.

Hertfordshire Police’s rural operational support team deployed a drone to capture evidence, which led to a pursuit involving the roads policing unit.

See also: What to do if you’re a victim of… hare coursing

Sgt Alex Winning explained that it was believed the group of vehicles, which included 4x4s, travelled from Cambridgeshire into Hertfordshire, breaking through farm gates and using dogs to hunt hares in what police suspect was a hare coursing event.

“Hare coursing involves setting dogs onto a hare, where the dogs are judged on how closely they can follow the hare’s movements, often culminating in the killing of the animal,” Sgt Winning said.

“This is not only a crime under the Hunting Act of 2004, but it also caused extensive damage to farmland.”

The hare coursing incident has sparked anger in the local farming community, with some describing the damage and lawlessness as unprecedented.

Richard Sears, a local resident whose vehicle was damaged, told The Hunts Post of his distress at witnessing the aggressive 4x4s driving down a narrow road near his home.

Two of the vehicles involved were a blue Subaru Forester and a silver Toyota RAV4.

‘Abhorrent’

The police and crime commissioner for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Darryl Preston, condemned the actions as “abhorrent”.

He stressed the need for increased support for rural communities, especially in light of the limited resources available to law enforcement.

“We are doing our best, but we need more support,” he said.

Police have also confirmed they will continue to monitor the situation and work with the public to bring those responsible to justice.

Hertfordshire Police is urging anyone who recognises individuals in the photos and videos circulating on social media to come forward with information.

The public can report tips anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 1111, or directly to Hertfordshire Constabulary.