Calls repeated to dial 999 if hare coursing is seen taking place in Essex

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex and Essex Police have repeated calls for people to ring 999 immediately if they see hare coursing taking place anywhere in the county.

At the recent PFCC district meeting for Uttlesford, held on Monday, and the PFCC Rural Crime Summit held on 6th December, county residents asked what action they can take if they see hare coursing taking place in Essex.

Sgt Paul Brady of the Essex Police Rural Engagement Team said: “If you see hare coursing taking place, ring 999 immediately and provide as much information as you can – for example, a What3Words location, a description of the people involved, vehicle registration numbers, vehicle descriptions and the location and direction of travel.

“When the police give you a reference number, please put this and the day’s date into any WhatsApp groups you are a part of so that anyone in the area with information can ring us and we can link it to the same incident, if relevant.

“However, it is very important that you don’t confront hare coursers or put yourself at risk.

“If you are a landowner, you can help prevent hare coursers accessing your land by blocking entrances, locking gates or digging ditches.”

In the 12 months to 31st December 2024 there were 169 Hare Coursing Incidents in Essex. This is a 5.6% decrease when compared to the same period in 2023 (179 incidents).

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “Together we have made progress in driving down hare coursing in Essex, but we want to do more. It’s important the public help our officers enforce the law by reporting this crime whenever seen, helping us to create safe, secure communities across the county.”

If you see anything which you feel needs police attention, or you have information about a crime or criminal activity, always ring 999 if it is an emergency or a crime in progress.

Otherwise, you can report it online at https://www.essex.police.uk/ro where you can also speak to an online Live Chat operator. Alternatively, you can ring 101.

You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, online or by calling 0800 555 111.