Six reports of illegal hare coursing in Sleaford area and one man arrested

A day of action under the Operation Galileo initiative was held yesterday (Sunday) to tackle hare coursing, drawing on officers from Lincolnshire, specialist officers from the East Midlands Operational Support Service and officers from Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Cambridgeshire.

According to a police spokesman a man from Middlesbrough was arrested in the Horbling area and reported for summons. Three men from Leicestershire and Wales were arrested in the Deeping St James area. One was bailed to a date in November and the other two reported for summons. In addition four dogs and a car were seized.

On Sunday there were 28 incidents of hare coursing reported by members of the public, including 12 in the south Holland area, seven in the Bourne and Deeping area and six in the Sleaford area.

Chief Inspector Jim Tyner, force lead for rural crime said: “I would like to thank my colleagues from neighbouring forces for their support and commitment to Operation Galileo. We tackle hare coursing because this is something that our rural communities tell us causes them great concern.

“This year we are seizing dogs because this is believed to be a significant deterrent. We have now seized seven dogs since September 1. The message from me is clear. If you are caught hare coursing in Lincolnshire, we will seize your dogs, seize your car and see you in court.”