Humberside Police make arrests following hare coursing reports

Both Humberside Police and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) are urging the public to report rural crime after a recent rise in reports of day and night poaching incidents.

Since the force and the CLA launched a campaign to crack down on hare coursing in November, 32 people have been reported on summons for alleged poaching, four arrests have been made and six vehicles seized.

As part of the initiative, landowners are encouraged to display signs on their land that urge the public to report any suspicious activity by calling the police on 101.

CLA North adviser Libby Bateman said: “It is satisfying for us to see positive results in local efforts to combat rural crime and shows what can be achieved when everyone pulls together.

“We are encouraging local landowners and farmers to display signs in areas frequently used by members of the public. Cracking down on hare coursing, poaching, and other forms of rural crime requires the public to report suspicious activities, especially in remote areas.”

PC Julie Turrell, a wildlife and rural crime officer at Humberside Police, said: “We are working closely with rural communities, in particularly farm watches and country watch to tackle poaching in our force area. This approach is helping us to identify offenders and take appropriate action against them in partnership with neighbouring police forces.

“I would urge everyone to continue to support us in tackling poaching by reporting incidents to us immediately on 101.”

Anyone who sees any suspicious activity is advised to make a note of any vehicle details and descriptions of suspect and any accompanying dogs.

On reporting the matter to police, the CLA recommends the caller requests an incident log number which they can pass on to their local Farmwatch or Country Watch scheme to warn others to be vigilant.

People in the Humberside area interested in obtaining a sign can email PC Turrell at [email protected]

The CLA is launching similar signs in the Lancashire Police Force area on Thursday this week.