Hare coursing group break gates and tear through fields near Cambridgeshire

A group of hare coursers broke gates and churned up fields near Cambridgeshire on Saturday (January 25). It is not yet known whether the criminal activity in north Hertfordshire, was linked to the rampage of hare coursers across Cambridgeshire fields over the weekend.

Police forces in Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire confirmed they are working together to investigate the incidents. Hertfordshire Police officers were called at 1pm on Saturday (January 25) to Mill Lane in Therfield, to reports of several people in vehicles trespassing on private land.

On arrival, Rural Operational Support Team (ROST) officers captured evidence via their drone and guided colleagues into the area. The activity also led to a pursuit involving the Roads Policing Unit.

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Sergeant Alex Winning from the Rural Operational Support Team (ROST) said: "It is believed that a number of vehicles set off from Cambridgeshire and proceeded into Hertfordshire, going through fields, breaking gates and are then suspected to have taken part in hare coursing. There was significant damage to arable land caused by 4x4 vehicles and hare coursing offences committed contrary to the Hunting Act of 2004.

"Hare coursing sees running dogs set onto a hare and the dogs compete and are judged by how closely they can follow the twists and turns of the hare as it tries to escape, and if they ultimately catch and kill it. The dogs are competing and gambling is often involved. Anyone found guilty of hare coursing could face punishments including unlimited fines and the possibility of imprisonment."

He added: "Two of the vehicles involved were a Blue Subaru Forester and a Silver Toyota RAV4. We are aware of videos circulating on social media showing some of what took place and we would ask anyone who recognises any of the individuals in the photos or video to please report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat, email ROST or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/8284/25."

You can also report anonymously by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their untraceable online form via this link."