Hare coursing attacks leave Essex farmer fearing for safety

An Essex farmer who has suffered more than 200 hare coursing incidents in eight months says he fears for his safety after a series of violent encounters.

Matthew Register, an arable farmer near Dunmow, said he has been assaulted 11 times, including being shot at with catapults, pinned against a tree and knocked off his bicycle by offenders.

“They are nasty, violent people,” he said. “Nobody goes out on the farm on their own now – we always go out in groups.”

See also: Seven men charged in hare coursing crackdown

He estimates the damage to crops and equipment at about £30,000, with hare coursers targeting his land almost daily.

On one occasion, he said a group drove across his crops and held an event while he was drilling.

Hare coursing – an illegal blood sport in which dogs are set on hares for betting – is often linked to organised criminal activity.

Mr Register said he has reported nearly 200 incidents to police, with more than 220 believed to have taken place in total.

Despite installing gates, ditches and cameras, offenders continue to access his land, often destroying equipment.

Essex Police say hare coursing incidents rose in 2025, reflecting a wider national trend.

Ahead of the “season”, officers are increasing patrols and using drones, thermal cameras and number plate recognition technology to target offenders.

Since August 2025, seven vehicles have been seized, along with multiple warnings and enforcement notices issued.

A police spokesman said patrols are being targeted in known hotspots, with support from drones and the National Police Air Service.

‘Massive issue’

Ed Ford, an arable farmer and vice-chairman of Essex NFU, said hare coursing remains a “massive issue” in the county.

“You are dealing with people who don’t care about your safety,” he said.

“But we need farmers to report more incidents – if we don’t report it, you don’t get the funding.”

The NFU said the situation facing farmers is “completely unacceptable” and is continuing to push for stronger action and better resourcing for rural policing.

Farmers and rural residents are urged to report suspicious activity immediately – call 999 for live incidents, 101 for non-emergencies or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 – and avoid confronting offenders.