Hare and Deer Coursers spotted around Boston and other rural Lincolnshire areas this weekend have caused land owners thousands of pounds in damages.
Up to 14 vehicles were seen yesterday, (Sunday 19 January), some in convoy, in various parts of the county including Boston, Spilsby, Sleaford and Lincoln.
Lincolnshire Police recovered a 4×4 from the South Forty Foot Drain, and the Rural Crime Action Team’s Facebook page stated “We estimate around 40 calls from the public reporting around a dozen vehicles involved in hare coursing. These criminals were driving in a pack with no regards to property and completely ignoring the safety of other road users.”
The first report was received shortly before 8am on Sunday, of hare coursers on land with dogs. Further calls were received describing erratic driving, with one silver 4×4 seen to be driving with an exhaust dangling underneath. Alongside reports of dangerous driving, the force took calls reporting 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, or 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.”
Lincolnshire Police are appealing for any information and footage that will assist in identifying involved in these incidents. Please email ruralcrime@lincs.police.uk with any information that will assist.
