In a dramatic crackdown on rural crime, Lincolnshire Police have released gripping footage showing the moment ten suspected hare coursers were chased down and apprehended in open countryside.
The high-speed pursuit unfolded across agricultural land near Boston, where officers responded to reports of illegal hunting activity. The video shows multiple individuals scattering across fields as police vehicles close in on their position.
Countryside Crime Operation
Hare coursing, an illegal bloodsport where dogs are used to chase and kill hares, has been a persistent problem in rural areas. The practice not only causes significant animal suffering but also damages crops and farmland.
Lincolnshire, with its vast agricultural landscapes, has been particularly affected by this criminal activity. Police have been running dedicated operations to combat the issue during the autumn and winter months when incidents typically increase.
Tactical Police Response
The operation demonstrated coordinated police tactics as officers surrounded the suspects in a remote field. The footage captures the moment the group realises they're trapped, with some attempting to flee on foot before being detained.
"This is exactly the type of robust response we need to see against rural crime," said a police spokesperson. "Hare coursing isn't a harmless tradition - it's a serious criminal offence that devastates wildlife and farming communities."
Ongoing Rural Crime Battle
The successful operation forms part of Lincolnshire Police's ongoing campaign against countryside crime. Recent years have seen increased resources dedicated to tackling hare coursing, with stronger legislation introduced in 2022 providing police with enhanced powers.
Under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act, courts can now issue unlimited fines and prison sentences of up to six months for hare coursing offences. Police also have powers to seize dogs and vehicles used in the crime.
Local farmers and rural residents have welcomed the crackdown, having long suffered the consequences of illegal hunting on their land. The damage caused by coursers' vehicles and the distress to livestock has been a significant concern for agricultural communities.
This latest incident serves as a stark warning to would-be offenders that rural crime operations are actively targeting illegal hunting activities across the county.
