Lincolnshire Police have reminded criminals that hare coursing will 'not be tolerated' in the county, which, along with Rutland and Leicestershire, can be a hotspot for the crime due to the rural locations and open fields.

Hare coursing is the pursuit of hares with sight hounds, which chase the hare by sight and not by scent. It is illegal and, according to The Crown Prosecution Service, is not only an issue of animal welfare, but can have a wider impact.

This can include vandalism of property, loss of income for farmers and landowners, theft, intimidation, and road traffic issues including the driving of unlicensed and uninsured vehicles. Hare coursing can cause significant disturbance in the countryside and is a cause of serious concern to those who live in rural communities.

The Lincolnshire policin team shared on social media: "Hare coursing in this county will not be tolerated under any circumstances".

That was the warning issued by a senior police officer at the launch of Operation Galileo.

"Our annual initiative began with a kick-off event at Glebe Farm, Leadenham, attended by our Rural Crime Action Team (R-CAT), Specialist Operations and representatives from the National Farmers' Union.

"Last year, with new tactics and new legislation, we had a significant impact in reducing the number of incidents and crimes across our county. Our commitment is that the focus on tackling rural crime will be even more enhanced, in particular during this hare coursing season."

Superintendent Lee Pache, head of the Specialists Operations which includes R-CAT, added: "Hare coursing in the county will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

"It is a huge issue for our rural community, with too many people living in fear of these crimes and criminals.

"That is why we are really pleased with the difference that our dedicated Rural Crime Action Team is making, and we will continue to target criminals in rural areas, which is one of our force priorities.

"The illegal activity of hare coursing damages property, threatens people's incomes and subjects people to fear and intimidation.

"Many of those are very unpleasant with violent and unscrupulous backgrounds, many of whom have links to organised criminality. Significant sums of money can change hands in the form of illegal betting and gambling on the outcome.

"We are committed to tackling this issue, and we would like to thank the public for their continued support in reporting incidents to us."