Video: Police disperse more than 50 poachers on farmland

More than 50 suspected poachers and hare coursers were disrupted and dispersed during a major police crackdown across Cambridgeshire, as officers used helicopters, drones and roadblocks to protect rural communities.

Police were first alerted on Saturday 17 January after receiving multiple reports of men and children poaching and trespassing with dogs on farmland off Haddon Road in Haddon, near Peterborough.

Officers said the group was causing damage to crops and fields, while also damaging vehicles driven by members of the public.

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

With support from the National Police Air Service, Cambridgeshire Police’s Rural Crime Action Team tracked the group as they moved through woodland opposite the A1(M).

Roads were blocked to contain them before officers detained and identified those involved using fingerprint recognition technology.

In total, 40 people were dispersed from the area and will now be investigated for a range of rural and wildlife offences. Several vehicles and items linked to poaching were also seized.

Sgt Tom Nuttall, from Cambridgeshire Police’s Rural Crime Action Team, said: “Tackling poaching and hare coursing remains a priority for us as a force and we are committed to working closely with our partners and local communities to address these issues.

“Hare coursing and associated criminality including threats, criminal damage and even violence, can have a real impact on our rural communities.

“These activities not only harm wildlife and the environment but also cause distress to landowners and residents.”

© Cambridgeshire Police

Crackdown in Ely

Further reports were received on Sunday of hare coursers driving across fields on Main Drove in Little Downham, near Ely.

Officers said the men abandoned their vehicles and attempted to flee but were tracked using police drones and a helicopter.

Four men were detained, interviewed and issued with community protection warnings and notices before being dispersed from the county. Four lurcher-type dogs were also seized.