Hare coursing surge in Wiltshire sparks police crackdown

Illegal hare coursing and poaching offences in Wiltshire surged by 21.8% between September 2024 and August 2025, prompting an unprecedented policing response.

Since January, 30 individuals have been arrested – a 500% increase compared with last year – with seven offenders already convicted and fined a total of £2,892 under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act.

“Rural crime has a lasting impact on victims and places a significant financial strain on businesses in Wiltshire and Swindon,” said Inspector Andy Lemon, tactical lead for rural crime at Wiltshire Police.

See also: Two hare coursers banned from farmland in landmark ruling

Farmers have described the toll on their livelihoods. One farmer based in the Pewsey Vale area revealed he had been targeted around 10 times in the past month.

“The impact on the farm is the trashing of crops and the cost of the added security,” the farmer said.

“We’ve spent an absolute fortune on ditching and fencing, extra CCTV and lighting. Every single night, I go out and drive the perimeter of the farm.

“I’d like to ask anyone who sees anything suspicious to report it.”

Another farmer described hearing noises just before he went to bed and saw two vehicles driving past his house down a dead-end road. Moments later, big lamps went on in a field.

Wiltshire Police has launched a whole-force response to tackle the problem with specialised officers, drones, neighbourhood policing teams and intelligence teams taking part in Operation Ragwort.

Farmers and communities are urged to report suspicious activity to help combat this rising threat (see advice below).

“We need residents to report suspicious activity as soon as they see it. This information helps build intelligence, target offenders and keep our countryside safe,” said Insp Lemon.