‘Our farmers deserve better’

HARE COURSING AND 4X4 OFF-ROADERS DAMAGING FIELDS

CRIMINALS are daily causing significant damage to fields.

Officers shared pictures of tyre tracks on fields near Market Bosworth and Markfield, saying that “landowners and farmers are being targeted on a nightly basis”.

The attacks can cost thousand of pounds to fix, and police said they are receiving more and more reports of damage to field boundaries, hedges and gates.

The incidents are often reported as hare coursing, as offenders may have dogs with them, while at other times intruders come on to the land solely to cause anti-social behaviour and drive around in 4x4s, leaving an ugly mess for the owners to clean up.

In a social media post, Leicestershire and Rutland Rural Policing Team, officers urged victims to get in touch and to call 999 in an emergency.

Addressing those responsible for the offences, the team said: “Please stop this. Our hard-working British farmers deserve better.

“They work 365 days a year to earn a living and this behaviour is impacting them not only financially, it is mentally and physically exhausting for them.”

The force also said: “We are committed to bringing offenders to justice. We need evidence to prosecute and disrupt.

“Please continue to report things to us and provide as much information as you can. Vehicle details. Descriptions. Directions of travel.

“Powers are afforded to us to deal with these issues that include vehicle and dog seizure and forfeiture orders.”

In September, there were reports of anti-social driving and hare coursing in harvested fields, particularly in Market Bosworth and in the north west of the county and Charnwood.

Intruders damaged gates, hedges and farm equipment, with reports of arson.

Landowners were urged to position large objects to prevent field access.

Call 101 if you have any information.