Lincolnshire sees reduction in hare coursing thanks to Galileo
Incidents of hare coursing across Lincolnshire have dramatically reduced.
Lincolnshire Police have seen just over 500 incidents of hare coursing in the county since Operation Galileo was launched for the 2019/2020 season in August.
At the half-way stage of the operation, a total of 535 incidents have been reports, which is a huge reduction on the 1,216 seen in 2016.
Lincolnshire is leading on a national operation to tackle hare coursing across 12 districts which are normally hit by the gangs.
Chief Insp Phil Vickers, who is leading on the operation, said: "Lincolnshire Police has the national lead on preventing Hare Coursing, bringing together the top 12 Police forces across the country under Operation Galileo.
"Whilst it is positive that the number of incidents is reducing, the reality is that flooding impacted on the number of offenders visiting the county and there is evidence that they simply diverted to neighbouring forces during this period.
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"We are working with partners at the NFU and CLA to secure a change in the powers available to courts. Lincolnshire Police currently seize dogs used in Hare Coursing at every opportunity but the cost of doing so falls to the taxpayer, we support a change to the powers available to courts whereby they can impose those costs on offenders.
"During December we have received five reports of hare coursing where callers have used the What3Words mobile phone App.
"Our force control room can use that to identify precise locations, so would encourage callers who witness offending to make the call to us as soon as possible , and we will do all that we can – arresting where appropriate.
