Update on response to planned hare coursing event in the New Forest

Officers from across Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary have been patrolling the New Forest East area in response to a planned hare coursing event, as mentioned in yesterday's update.

These officers have been working together with our Dorset Police counterparts.

The joined-up approach aims to ensure there is a significant policing presence in the area, enabling us to respond to any calls, as well as target people and vehicles that may be involved in this illegal activity.

We have been out speaking with local residents, stopping a number of vehicles to make enquiries with the occupants, and gathering information to support our policing activity.

We still need your support to tell us about any suspicious vehicle activity in rural locations, or any trespassing that could be connected to hare coursing, so please contact us on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Thank you.

Inspector MacDonald (Countrywatch Rural Crime Taskforce)