Update: Seven incidents reported during dispersal order
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Updated release:
We are investigating after £1,000 worth of damage was caused to crops by suspected hare coursers.
This incident was reported to us at 11.24am on 5 November, just before a dispersal order was put in place in the Boston and South Holland, and North and South Kesteven areas following increased reports of hare coursing.
The dispersal order was put in place at 11.55am on 5 November for 48 hours. Should we see an increase in hare coursing we will look to impose another dispersal order.
Our Force Control Room received the report that an unknown 4x4 vehicle, believed to be driven by hare coursers, had driven through a field causing around £1,000 worth of damage to crops.
We are investigating this incident and we would like to hear from anyone who may be able to assist with our investigation. Incident 172 of 5 November refers.
We then received a further six reports of alleged hare coursers in the 48 hour dispersal order period.
The six incidents were reported on the 5th and 6th of November in the following areas; Langary Gate Holbeach St Johns, the Eaugate Road area of Moulton, West Pinchbeck, The Common, Crowland, and Gedney.
Superintendent Lee Pache said: “We continue to investigate and respond to reports of hare coursing across our county. Offenders are often linked to organised crime groups and are known to commit a wide range of criminal offences against the community as a whole, as well as placing officers and the public at risk when failing to stop for police.
“We will investigate any criminal activity reported to us and we thank the public for their support in reporting crimes.”
We continue to urge the public to be vigilant if they spot any potential hare coursers or anyone acting suspiciously in rural areas as well as the more built up areas.
To report a crime call us on 101, or call 999 to report a crime in action.
Original release:
We have put a dispersal order in place for the Boston and South Holland, and North and South Kesteven areas following increased reports of hare coursing.
The order was put in place at 11.55am today and will remain in place for 48 hours.
South Holland is one of the most hare coursed areas in the country. The area routinely sees considerably more incidents of hare coursing compared to other districts in Lincolnshire. Recent calls for service indicate an increase in number of calls relating to this crime type.
In considering the wider community, landowners and members of the rural community should be expected to be able to enjoy their property and community without fear of being involved in or witnessing such antisocial behaviour and violence.
The dispersal order will provide officers and their supervisors with an additional tactical option to proactively deal with ongoing hare coursing incidents and potential future hare coursing incidents over the weekend.