Poaching
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
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21 December 2025
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}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.
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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.
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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.