Hampshire Police urge communities to report hare coursing as patrols increase
Early harvests creating bare fields have led to premature reports of hare coursing
Rural communities in Hampshire are being encouraged to report any instances of hare coursing and suspicious activity to the police.
Although hare coursing traditionally peaks in autumn and winter, early reports have emerged due to the early harvests resulting in bare fields.
On 11th June, a hare coursing incident was reported on farmland in northern rural Basingstoke, straddling the Hampshire and Berkshire border.
The perpetrators abandoned two lurcher dogs which were subsequently taken to kennels for rehoming.
Police efforts are being bolstered by the specialist Country Watch Rural Crime Task Force, who are actively patrolling these areas.
Operation Galileo will enable control room teams to deploy units swiftly in response to hare coursing reports.
“Reports from you are crucial in helping us understand the full scale of the problem, and where to target our resources and any proactive operational activity,” Hampshire Police said.
Residents can report incidents by calling 101 or using the online reporting tool on the Hampshire Police website.
Anonymous reports can also be made through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or their online form.
In cases where crimes are happening, the public should dial 999.
Those with business connections to rural Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are encouraged to download the EyesOn app for updates and to inform authorities when needed.
Current EyesOn app users are asked to notify the police as soon as harvests wrap up to ensure patrols target vulnerable areas.
Additionally, landowners and farmers wishing for hare coursing signage can email Hampshire Country Watch.