Three held on hare coursing charges (From The Oxford Times)

Three arrested at 1am on suspicion of hare coursing at Swyncombe

8:12pm Thursday 4th December 2008 in News

Police arrested three men on suspicion of hare coursing in Swyncombe at about 1am today.

The arrests come after the neighbourhood policing team vowed to tackle rural crimes in the area.

Insp Stewart Haveron said: “We responded to a report by a local resident that they had seen some hare coursers on their land and arrested three men.

“We have also seized their car and the RSPCA have taken three lurchers to be examined.

“These offenders have a total disregard for residents, landowners and their property and the safety of others.

“They cause damage to crops and livestock by driving recklessly through hedges or fences to chase animals like deer or hares.

“I would like to reassure residents that we will not tolerate this behaviour and are working hard to catch those responsible and urge anyone who might see any suspicious activity, or suspicious vehicles being driven across farmland or fields to contact the police immediately.”

Anyone with any information should contact Insp Haveron at Henley police station via the non-emergency number 0845 8 505 505, or if you don’t want to talk to the police or leave your name, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.