Officers investigating a spate of criminal damage caused by off-road driving believed to be linked to hare coursing in North Dorset are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
A number of incidents have occurred in the Tarrant Valley area around the A354, generally involving offenders entering fields at night and driving on farm land. This has caused significant damage to crops, potentially threatening an entire season’s harvest in some cases resulting in thousands of pounds worth of damage.
Incidents include criminal damage to crops on the night of Wednesday 19 May 2021 and criminal damage to gates and crops between 12pm on Friday 22 May and 8am on Saturday 22 May 2021.
Officers are also investigating an incident where a number of dead hares were found dumped at a petrol station in Verwood on Wednesday 19 May 2021, which they believe could be linked to this activity.
Inspector Simon Perry, of North Dorset police, said: “We are carrying out increased targeted patrols in the areas impacted and conducting investigations into this emerging series of criminal damage, which we believe is directly linked to the act of hare coursing. Hare coursing involves chasing hares with dogs and is illegal under the Hunting Act 2004.
“We are encouraging landowners to review their security measures, including considering environmental security measures such as ditches.
“We also have a dedicated team of rural crime officers who have been visiting landowners and can be contacted by anyone needing security advice. They can be contacted via 101 or ‘do it online’ at www.dorset.police.uk.
“As part of our enquiries into these matters, we have identified a black Subaru estate, which is believed to have been involved in the dumping of hare carcasses in the Verwood area. I can confirm the registration for this vehicle is DU05 OKO and I would urge anyone who has seen this vehicle in the vicinity to please contact us.
“I would also urge anyone who has witnessed any suspicious activity or has any information that might assist our investigation to get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email [email protected] or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210079374. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call freephone 0800 555 111.
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