Lincolnshire's new rural crime team sees amount of hare coursing "halve"

The amount of hare coursing in Lincolnshire has "roughly" halved following the establishment of a new rural crime unit in the county.

Lincolnshire Police has for years been tackling hare coursing, a bloodsport where dogs are used to chase, catch and kill hares.

The offenders mostly use agricultural land and farmers have been threatened, abused and assaulted by those taking part, who also cause damage to crops and fields with their vehicles.

Tackling hare coursing was one of the key priorities of Lincolnshire Police's rural crime action team, which launched late last year.

Lincolnshire Police's action on it has included the issuing of several dispersal orders, which forced anyone intent on taking part in hare coursing to leave the county.

More officers are still set to join the rural crime team, which will comprise of eight police constables and one sergeant when recruitment is complete, as well as being supported by special constables.

But despite not being fully formed, Lincolnshire Police was keen to launch the team as it was in time for the start of the hare coursing season.