United Kingdom - January 07, 2024

The skies over Essex have become a formidable deterrent for hare coursers, with the National Police Air Service's (NPAS) aerial surveillance operations dramatically reducing the prevalence of this illegal activity. Over the past three years, reports of hare coursing have plummeted by 62.8%, with only 130 incidents recorded in the past year ending August 31, 2024.

The success of these operations can be attributed to the collaborative efforts between the NPAS and the Essex Police's Rural Engagement Team. Utilizing advanced watch camera footage from police helicopters, officers are now better equipped to track and apprehend suspects involved in hare coursing, a crime that not only threatens wildlife but also disrupts rural communities.

Inspector Terry Jacobs of Essex Police highlighted the effectiveness of these strategies: "Hare coursing is not a sport; it's a crime. We're sending a clear message that Essex is not a safe haven for such activities. The use of our helicopter, coupled with ground operations, has significantly raised the stakes for anyone contemplating hare coursing in our county."

The integration of technology like drones for aerial surveillance and the What3Words app for precise location reporting has further enhanced the police's ability to respond swiftly to these incidents. "Our approach involves not just catching the offenders but preventing these crimes through community engagement," added Inspector Jacobs. "We work closely with landowners, advising on field security and sharing information that helps prevent access by coursers."

Essex, with 72% of its land being rural, faces unique challenges in combating agricultural crimes. The Rural Engagement Team plays a pivotal role in fostering relationships with farmers and estate staff, providing them with the tools and knowledge to safeguard their lands.

For those who witness hare coursing, Inspector Jacobs advises, "Your safety is paramount. Do not confront the coursers, but report the incident immediately by calling 999. Provide as accurate a location as possible, and if you have more information or wish to report other rural crimes, contact us via our website or call 101."