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Hare coursing warning signs available

Philip Case 04 September 2015
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Farmers are being urged to display new signs warning hare coursers they face prosecution and heavy fines.

The signs urge the public to call 999 if they see coursing taking place.

Police have vowed to seize and destroy vehicles used by illegal coursers.

The initiative, funded by the CLA, NFU and police forces in Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, is timed to coincide with the end of harvest when large areas of land are left without standing crops.

See also: Hare coursing – What you need to know if your farm is targeted

CLA East regional director Ben Underwood said: “Hare coursers are hardened criminals who are engaged in illegal betting involving large sums of money, and prepared to use violence if disturbed. Evidence shows that they are frequently also involved in other criminal activity, too.

“The public should not tackle these criminals themselves, but if they spot a suspicious vehicle in the countryside they should take the registration number and call police.

“People should not be reticent about calling 999 if they suspect a crime is actually taking place.

“Calls from the public really do make a difference: they provide the police with crucial intelligence that helps them better manage resources to combat crime more effectively.”

Farmers and landowners can obtain the new hare coursing signs by calling either the CLA East office on 01638 590 429.

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