Police Smash Borders to Nail Hare Coursers Across East England
The police forces of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Kent have scrapped borders when tackling hare coursing. This game-changing move, backed by the Crown Prosecution Service, lets cops act as one unit to crack down on offenders using key powers.
One Force, Multiple Counties
Under the new agreement, the seven forces operate as one when using tactics like automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), vehicle seizures, and sharing intel on suspects. This unified front makes it easier to catch, charge, and prosecute those involved in the brutal blood sport.
“Anyone caught causing anti-social behaviour (ASB) linked to coursing in Norfolk would be treated as committing it in Hertfordshire too,” said Sergeant Ryan Hemmings from the Rural Operational Support Team (ROST). “If they persist across counties, prosecution follows swiftly.”
Triple Trouble Means Prosecution
- Incidents in different counties now add up as one under ASB laws.
- Three offences lead to prosecution, no matter where they happen.
- Convictions pave the way for tough penalties, including driving bans, Criminal Behaviour Orders, and asset forfeiture like dogs and vehicles.
Hare Coursing: September’s Nasty Tradition
The illegal sport kicks off each September once fields are harvested and ploughed—prime hunting ground for hare coursers. It wrecks crops, threatens animal welfare, and puts rural communities at risk with intimidation and violence.
Landowners are advised to block field entrances with ditches, fencing, trees, or concrete-filled barrels to deter offenders.
How You Can Help Stop Hare Coursers
- If you witness hare coursing, dial 999 immediately.
- Give police descriptions of suspects, vehicles, locations, and directions.
- Don’t confront offenders—stay safe.
- Have info but hare coursing isn’t happening? Call 101, use the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111, or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
This bold multi-force crackdown aims to finally choke out hare coursing from rural England once and for all.
