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Poaching

Agreed on 13 November 2025. Updated on 1 February 2026

Sadly poaching is very much present in our country side, with our farming communities having to pay the price for this illegal and cruel activity.

Many people may think of poaching as a means for members of the community to be able to feed their families as times are obviously hard for some. Statically this is untrue with all the animals killed, often left at the road edge in in the field that the criminals dogs caught the animal and killed it in a horrible and inhumane manner.

Hare / Deer coursing is an illegal activity in which dogs – typically sighthounds like greyhounds or lurchers – are used to chase and kill hares. It is often organized for gambling or sport and usually takes place on farmland or open countryside.

Key points:

  • Purpose: Participants bet on which dog will catch the hare first.
  • Impact: Causes significant animal suffering and disrupts wildlife populations.
  • Legal status: Prohibited under the Hunting Act 2004 in England and Wales. Offenders can face fines, imprisonment, and seizure of dogs and vehicles.
  • Associated issues: Often linked to trespassing, criminal damage, and intimidation of landowners.
  • Important Note:
    Dogs used in hare or deer coursing do not distinguish between wild animals and pets. Sadly, this means that cats, small dogs, or other domestic animals can suffer the same fate if encountered during these illegal activities.
  • please report all suspicious activity ,whilst in the country side , for example, males with sighthounds like greyhounds or lurchers making their way across the fields.
  • Please Note:
    Poachers show no regard for farmland or crops. They will drive across fields in search of wildlife, often causing significant damage to sown crops. Their methods include releasing dogs to kill animals or using catapults and air rifles to shoot them – only to leave the carcasses behind.
    This is not only cruel but also destructive to property and livelihoods. I strongly encourage anyone with information that could lead to the prosecution of these individuals to come forward.

Actions

  • 1 February 2026

     

    Rural & Wildlife Crime Update

    We’re pleased to share that reported poaching incidents have significantly decreased over the past two months. This is really encouraging and shows the positive impact of increased community awareness and timely reporting.

    That said, it’s still important that we all remain vigilant. Please continue to report any suspicious behaviour, unfamiliar vehicles, or new incidents in our rural areas.

    Sergeant Jefferies remains in regular contact with local farmers, helping to strengthen our information‑sharing networks. His work is making a real difference in improving early reporting and ensuring issues reach the right policing teams quickly.

    How to Report

    If poachers or hare coursers are on land right now, call 999 immediately.

    For non‑urgent suspicious activity, report via the Avon & Somerset Police website:
    Report rural or wildlife crime | Avon and Somerset Police

    When reporting, please include:

    • Vehicle registrations
    • Descriptions of people and vehicles
    • Direction of travel
    • Photographs or video only if it is safe to obtain

    Your information is vital in helping protect our rural communities, livestock, and wildlife.
    Thank you for your continued support.

    Rural Crime – Please Report Suspicious Activity

    Rural crime continues to have a significant impact on our farming and countryside communities. Offences such as poaching, hare coursing, and the theft of farm equipment or livestock can cause considerable disruption, financial loss, and emotional stress for those affected.

    One of the challenges we face is that many incidents go unreported. Members of the public often assume that suspicious behaviour in the countryside is simply a farmer, contractor, or landowner carrying out legitimate work. Similarly, individuals seen walking across fields with dogs are frequently presumed to be exercising them, when in some cases the behaviour may be linked to illegal hunting or poaching.

    Why Reporting Matters

    Every report helps us build a clearer understanding of what is happening across our rural areas. Even if something appears minor or turns out to be harmless, the information may be vital in identifying patterns, targeting patrols, or supporting future policing operations.

    Your reports directly assist the rural crime team in tackling:

    • Hare coursing and deer poaching
    • Theft of machinery, tools, diesel, and livestock
    • Damage to crops, fences, and gates
    • Suspicious vehicles or unknown individuals on farmland

    What to Look Out For

    Residents are encouraged to report anything that seems unusual, such as:

    • Vehicles driving slowly or parked in remote rural locations
    • People stopping to watch fields, livestock, or farm buildings
    • Dogs being used to chase wildlife across farmland
    • Unfamiliar individuals entering fields or woodland without clear purpose

    If you are unsure whether something is suspicious, please report it anyway—we would rather check and find nothing than miss vital information.

    How to Report

    999 – If a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger
    101 – For non‑emergency reports and ongoing suspicious activity
    Online reporting: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report

    You can also contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team through the Avon and Somerset Police website for non‑urgent concerns or rural crime advice.

     

  • 18 January 2026

    Rural & Wildlife Crime Update

    We are pleased to report a significant decrease in reported poaching incidents over the past two months. This is encouraging news and reflects the value of increased community awareness and timely reporting.

    However, it remains vital that we stay vigilant. Please continue to report any new incidents, suspicious behaviour, or unfamiliar vehicles in rural areas.

    In addition to this, Sergeant Jefferies is in regular contact with the local farming community, strengthening information‑sharing networks and helping to reduce crime across our rural areas. His work is playing an important role in improving early reporting and ensuring that concerns are quickly passed to the right teams.

    How to Report

    Call 999 if hare coursers or poachers are on land right now.

    For non‑urgent suspicious activity, report via the Avon & Somerset Police website:
    Report rural or wildlife crime | Avon and Somerset Police

    When reporting, please include:

    • Vehicle registrations
    • Descriptions of people and vehicles
    • Direction of travel
    • Photographs or videos only if it is safe to do so

    Your information makes a real difference in protecting our rural communities, livestock, and wildlife. Thank you for your continued support.

  • 9 January 2026

    Rural & Wildlife Crime Update

    We are pleased to report a significant decrease in reported poaching incidents over the past two months. This is positive news and reflects the value of community awareness and reporting.

    However, it is vital that we remain vigilant. Any new incidents, suspicious behaviour, or unfamiliar vehicles should continue to be reported promptly.

    How to Report

    • Call 999 if hare coursers or poachers are on land right now.
    • Report non‑urgent suspicious activity via the Avon & Somerset Police website:
      Report rural or wildlife crime | Avon and Somerset Police

    When reporting, please provide as much detail as possible, including:

    • Vehicle registrations
    • Descriptions of people and vehicles
    • Direction of travel
    • Photographs or videos only if it is safe to do so

    Your information makes a real difference in protecting our rural communities and wildlife. Thank you for your continued support.

  • 21 December 2025

    Rural Crime Update – Anti‑Poaching Patrols & Security Advice

    We continue to receive reports of rural thefts and wildlife crime across our area, and we’re working hard to support landowners and communities.

    On 17th December, officers from both the Frome and Shepton Mallet Neighbourhood Policing Teams carried out dedicated anti‑poaching patrols, covering a significant area of rural land. These high‑visibility and targeted patrols are part of our ongoing commitment to tackling rural crime, deterring offenders, and protecting livestock, wildlife, and farmland.

    What We’re Seeing

    It’s not just machinery and trailers being targeted. Fuel, metal, tools, and general equipment remain attractive to thieves. Alongside this, we continue to see incidents of poaching and hare coursing—activities that not only harm wildlife but often lead to wider criminality, including damage to land, gates, crops, and property.

    How Landowners Can Protect Against Poaching & Hare Coursing

    1. Secure Access to Your Land

    • Lock gates and use robust chains or concrete barriers to block unused access points.
    • Maintain hedgerows and boundaries—clear sightlines make it harder for poachers to operate unseen.
    • Consider bunding or ditching vulnerable entry routes.

    2. Improve Lighting & Visibility

    • Install motion‑activated security lighting around yards, barns, and fuel storage.
    • Keep entrances, tracks, and gateways visible from the road where possible.

    3. Use Technology to Your Advantage

    • Fit CCTV, wildlife cameras, or thermal cameras covering gateways, tracks, and open fields.
    • Use number plate recognition cameras if possible—many rural offenders travel in known vehicles.
    • GPS tagging and forensic marking can help trace stolen items.

    4. Remove Opportunity

    • Avoid leaving equipment, tools, or fuel tanks in isolated or unlit areas.
    • Keep gates to fields closed wherever possible to discourage vehicle access.

    5. Work Together

    • Link in with neighbouring farms, rural watch schemes, or local WhatsApp alert groups.
    • Share sightings of suspicious 4x4s, dogs being exercised in fields, or vehicles parked in unusual places.

    6. Know the Signs of Hare Coursing

    • Vehicles parked on field edges or near gates.
    • Lurchers or sighthounds running in fields.
    • Groups of men with binoculars or transmitting coordinates via mobile phones.
    • Footpaths used as access points late at night or early morning.

    7. Report Immediately

    • Call 999 if hare coursers or poachers are on land right now.
    • Report suspicious activity via the Avon & Somerset Police website:
      https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/rural-or-wildlife-crime
    • Provide as much detail as possible—vehicle registration, descriptions, direction of travel, and any photos if safe to obtain.

    Together We Can Reduce Rural Crime

    Your vigilance and early reporting make a genuine difference. Combined with patrols like those completed on the 17th, we can continue to protect our rural communities, prevent harm to wildlife, and reduce the impact of crime on livelihoods.

  • 10 December 2025

    Hare Coursing Update

    We’re pleased to report that hare coursing incidents have significantly decreased over the past two weeks. We hope that our targeted patrols and increased visibility in rural areas have contributed to this positive outcome.

    As your Neighbourhood Policing Team, we want to thank members of the public and our farming communities for their invaluable assistance. Your support has helped us develop relevant intelligence and strengthen our efforts.

    We kindly ask that you continue to report any suspicious behaviour or incidents to us:

    • Call 999 if the incident is happening right now.
    • Report online via https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/rural-or-wildlife-crime.
  • 27 November 2025

    Poaching and Hare Coursing – A Continuing Threat to Our Countryside

    Poaching remains a serious issue in our rural communities, with farming families paying the price for this illegal and cruel activity.

    Many people mistakenly believe poaching is about feeding families during hard times. Statistically, this is untrue. Animals killed during poaching are often left at the roadside or in fields where they were chased and killed by dogs in a brutal and inhumane manner.

    What is Hare and Deer Coursing?

    Hare and deer coursing is an illegal activity where dogs—typically sighthounds such as greyhounds or lurchers—are used to chase and kill hares or deer.

    • Purpose: Participants often bet on which dog will catch the hare first.
    • Impact: Causes severe animal suffering and disrupts wildlife populations.
    • Legal Status: Prohibited under the Hunting Act 2004 in England and Wales. Offenders can face fines, imprisonment, and seizure of dogs and vehicles.
    • Associated Issues: Frequently linked to trespassing, criminal damage, and intimidation of landowners.

    Important Note: Dogs used in hare or deer coursing do not distinguish between wild animals and pets. Sadly, this means cats, small dogs, or other domestic animals can also fall victim to these illegal activities.

    Recent Action

    In response to these crimes, Frome PCSOs, Shepton Mallet officers, and the Rural Crime Team recently carried out a joint operation aimed at identifying and arresting individuals involved in hare coursing, poaching, and other forms of rural crime. This proactive approach demonstrates our commitment to protecting wildlife, farmland, and rural communities.

    Signs to Watch For

    • Groups of males with sighthounds (greyhounds, lurchers) walking across fields.
    • Vehicles driving across farmland without permission.
    • Use of catapults or air rifles to kill wildlife.

    Poachers show no regard for farmland or crops, often causing significant damage to sown fields. Their methods include releasing dogs to kill animals or shooting them—only to leave the carcasses behind. This is not only cruel but also destructive to property and livelihoods.

    What You Can Do

    • Report suspicious activity immediately: If you see something, say something.
    • Call 101 or use the online reporting service for non-emergencies.
    • In an emergency or if a crime is in progress, dial 999.
    • You can also report anonymously via Crimestoppers at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

    Your vigilance helps protect wildlife, property, and the safety of our rural communities.

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