Wiltshire Police get new kit to tackle hare coursing problem

As autumn arrives, a new season begins in Wiltshire for the illegal blood sport of hare coursing.

Its origins go back centuries, but nowadays it involves gangs with dogs and 4x4s chasing down hares across farmland, leaving a wake of criminal damage, intimidation and violence.

The chases are often streamed over the internet as bets are placed on which dog will catch the hare.

This year Wiltshire Police has finally kitted up to tackle the problem.

Hare coursing was made illegal in the UK in 2005, but that hasn't deterred criminal gangs, who have been a growing problem in rural counties like Wiltshire in recent years.

I joined Wiltshire Police for the first big operation of the new hare coursing season.