Calne officers have increased rural patrols following reports of hare coursing and poaching in the area, while members of the Neighbourhood Policing Team have also been engaging with residents, farmers and other rural communities as part of National Rural Crime Week of Action.
With the harvest now nearing completion for most arable farms, fields are becoming more accessible to vehicles, which can unfortunately increase the risk of illegal hare coursing.
The Calne Neighbourhood Policing Team said officers had started receiving reports of hare coursing and poaching within the area and had increased patrols in rural locations that have recently been targeted.
The patrols are intended to provide a visible policing presence while officers continue to engage with local residents and landowners.
Hare coursing involves the pursuit of hares by dogs, and police are urging members of the public to report incidents.
Anyone who sees hare coursing currently taking place should call 999. Incidents can also be reported online after the event or by calling 101 for non-emergency reports.
Police are advising people not to approach or confront those involved.
If it is safe to do so, members of the public are asked to gather as much information as possible, including:
- The location
- The type, colour and registration of vehicles
- How many people are involved
- The number and type of dogs present
- Whether any weapons have been seen
Photos or video evidence can also help support an investigation and potential prosecution, but police stress that people should not put themselves at risk to obtain evidence.
Concerning or suspicious activity associated with hare coursing can include 4x4 vehicles being driven at speed over open land, lurcher-type dogs, flashing lights from lamps or groups of people congregating on farmland.
Residents reporting non-emergency incidents are asked to mention Op Galileo.
Rural Community Engagement
The team's rural engagement has also continued as part of the National Rural Crime Week of Action, with PCSOs Cook and Sheppard visiting rural communities and speaking with residents, farmers and other local stakeholders.
The team said maintaining regular contact with rural communities helps officers gather intelligence, identify emerging issues and provide crime prevention advice.
Further engagement events are also planned in the coming weeks, where security equine marking will be available. Details of dates and locations will be shared on the team's social media.
Wiltshire Police said working with rural communities and partners remains an important part of tackling rural crime, including plant and machinery theft, which continues to be a priority.
Residents are encouraged to continue providing information to their local policing team and reporting concerns.
The Neighbourhood Policing Team said it would continue to patrol, investigate and work with partners to address issues affecting communities across Calne, Chippenham, Corsham, Malmesbury and the surrounding villages.
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