Wiltshire Police ramps up efforts against hare coursing and poaching
Rise in rural crime leads to increased patrols and arrests
Last updated 12th Dec 2025
Wiltshire Police has strengthened its response to rural crime following a 21.8% increase in hare coursing and poaching offences between September 2024 and August 2025. The force has ramped up patrols and community engagement to tackle these issues effectively.
Since January, Wiltshire Police has arrested 30 individuals linked to hare coursing or poaching, a 500% increase compared to the previous year. Courts have already convicted seven offenders, issuing fines totalling £2,892, while additional cases remain under prosecution.
Inspector Andy Lemon, tactical lead for rural crime at Wiltshire Police, emphasised the importance of community cooperation in the fight against these crimes.
“Rural crime has a lasting impact on victims and places a significant financial strain on businesses in Wiltshire and Swindon,” Lemon said.
"We’re mobilising neighbourhood officers, drones, CID and armed units to hit offenders at every stage.
“This sends a clear message that rural crime is treated with the seriousness it deserves, and we will not tolerate incursions on our countryside.
"We need residents to report suspicious activity as soon as they see it – either online, by calling 101, or in an emergency by dialling 999. This information helps build intelligence, target offenders and keep our countryside safe.”
Farmers have shared the emotional and financial toll of rural crime, with one farmer saying he has been targeted around 10 times in the Pewsey Vale area during the past month.
"The impact on the farm is the trashing of crops and the cost of the added security. We've spent an absolute fortune on ditching and fencing, extra CCTV and lighting," the farmer said.
Another farmer recounted hearing noises near his home and spotting vehicles with big lamps in a nearby field, further highlighting the threats rural communities face.
The force is leading Operation Ragwort, which targets criminal gangs involved in hare coursing, poaching, fly-tipping, and theft of agricultural machinery. This multi-agency effort includes support from Neighbourhood Policing Teams, intelligence units, and neighbouring forces such as Hampshire and Gloucestershire.
Philip Wilkinson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, stated that collaboration with local communities is crucial in combating rural crime.
“The fact that we have people coming out with us from the rural communities not only reassures them of the work being done to protect them, it also allows us to utilise their local knowledge,” Wilkinson said.
Wiltshire Police has conducted various operations in the last year, including regional collaborations such as Operation Ternary with Thames Valley and Hampshire Isle of Wight Police. The Rural Crime Week of Action in September 2025 and partnership operations with Wiltshire Council Enforcement Team and the Environment Agency have further bolstered efforts.