Commitment to meet hare coursing and rural crime with ‘robust response’ underlined by PFCC - Video

Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Joel Charles this week joined Essex Police officers in Lindsell to underline the commitment to tackle hare coursing and other rural crime this summer.

Click here to view a short video of Deputy PFCC Joel Charles.

Joel Charles, Deputy PFCC, said: “The impact of hare coursing on rural communities should not be underestimated. It is not a victimless crime – farmland is often damaged and hare coursers are known to be violent.

“It is important to recognise the efforts of farmers in Lindsell who have been subjected to attacks by hare coursers, for working to raise awareness of the impact of crime on their rural community. It is clear these farmers have had to put up with hare coursing activity for far too long, so a robust policing response is being mounted to support them.

“There will continue to be a focus on hare coursing, particularly as the new season is due to begin in a matter of weeks. More engagement is planned with those farmers who have been most affected. The message is clear – hare coursers are not welcome in Essex.”