Hare coursers put lives at risk
Police are urgently seeking dashcam footage, CCTV or any information after suspected hare and deer coursers put lives at risk through dangerous driving.
Thousands of pounds' worth of damage was also caused to crops after up to 14 vehicles were seen on Sunday, January19, some in convoy, in various parts of the county including south of Lincoln and in the Sleaford and Spilsby areas.
The first report was received shortly before 8am of hare coursers on land with dogs. Further calls were received describing erratic driving, with one silver 4x4 vehicle driving with an exhaust dangling underneath.
Reports were also made of deer being chased by drivers of vehicles and drivers doing doughnuts in fields, causing excessive damage to crops.
Superintendent Pat Coates, Specialist Operations, said: “This is one of the worst reports we have seen this year. Some of the reports describe extremely dangerous driving, with people having to take action to avoid head on collisions.
“All of the vehicles were grotty old cars and this is obviously a tactic being used by these criminals who come to course hares, they don’t mind trashing them or leaving them behind as we quite often do seize them.
“One of the drivers involved, who was driving a 4 x 4 lost control and drove into a drain, it’s a good job it wasn’t filled with water, otherwise the outcome would have been very different. Three people were arrested from this car after they tried to run away.
“We will be reviewing all of the footage we have been sent and witness appeals to identify those involved.”
Investigators need any information and footage that will assist in identifying those involved in these incidents sent
Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report online at Crimestoppers-uk.org
