Operation Galileo – Hare Coursing – Please Report It

Operation Galileo

Warwickshire Police are working with forces around the country on Operation Galileo to address hare coursing and related crimes.

Increased reports are received around this time of year on farm land.   Please be vigilant.

• Coursing tends to happen on large flat areas of land.
• Be aware of a vehicle or number of vehicles parked in a rural area, perhaps by a gateway to farmland, on a grass verge, on
•  a farm track or bridle path.
• Usually estate cars, four wheel drives or vans and may have evidence of dogs.
• Binoculars are used to spot hares or at night strong lights or beams.
• Coursers will often walk along the field to frighten a hare into the open.  Hares live and breed above ground and at this time of year are extremely vulnerable as there is little or no cover for them.
• The dogs used tend to be sight hounds, such as lurchers or whippet type dogs that chase by sight rather than hunt by scent.

Report It

If you see hare coursing taking place, or suspect it is happening in your area contact the police straight away.  We advise that you do not approach the participants.

Information that would assist if you are aware or able to confirm includes:

• Are the suspect/s alone or in a group?
• Are they trespassing?
• Do they have equipment with them?
• Do they have dogs or firearms with them?
• Where are they going?
• Where have they been?
• What do they look like?
• Have they any vehicles?
• What are the number plates and vehicle details?
• Can you safely get a photograph?

NEVER PUT YOUR OWN SAFETY AT RISK.

If it is a crime in progress with the hare coursers on land causing damage or chasing hares at the time you are reporting – please call 999.

If you find evidence of coursing after the offenders have left or you have information to assist the police on a hare coursing incident or any other crime please report online at www.warwickshire.police.uk or by calling 101.

Thank you for your assistance it is greatly appreciated.