Wiltshire police warn of planned poaching and hare coursing

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 19:57 · Archive

Wiltshire Police have warned rural communities of plans for individuals to travel to south Wiltshire to engage in poaching and hare coursing.

Wiltshire Police issued a warning on the afternoon of Monday, October 19, after becoming aware of plans for individuals to travel to south Wiltshire to engage in poaching and hare coursing. Rural communities in that part of the county have been advised to remain vigilant throughout the week.

In a statement, a Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: "We are aware of potential plans regarding individuals travelling into south Wiltshire in the coming days to engage in poaching and hare coursing."

Inspector Andy Lemon, the force's Rural Crime lead, said the police take such offending seriously. "We have put in place additional resources and patrols, and we are working closely with our colleagues in neighbouring forces to disrupt any activity that takes place," he said.

Residents have been asked to keep gates secured and make entrances to land as difficult as possible. Inspector Lemon urged people to report any suspicious activity, vehicles in unusual locations, or suspected poaching offences via 999 so police can take appropriate action.

The warning comes as part of a wider effort to protect rural communities from wildlife crime during the coming days.

How it is being reported

• Warning to rural communities as ‘poachers plan to descend on county’Wiltshire's rural communities have been warned by police as plans for individuals to travel to Wiltshire for illegal activities were revealed.Wiltshire Times · 19 Oct, 19:20
• Warning to rural communities as ‘poachers plan to descend on county’Wiltshire's rural communities have been warned by police as plans for individuals to travel to Wiltshire for illegal activities were revealed.Swindon Advertiser · 19 Oct, 19:20
• Warning to rural communities as ‘poachers plan to descend on county’Wiltshire's rural communities have been warned by police as plans for individuals to travel to Wiltshire for illegal activities were revealed.Gazette & Herald · 19 Oct, 19:20

In this story: Wiltshire Police · Inspector Andy Lemon · Wiltshire · South Wiltshire

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem