Police deployed drones, air support and barricades across Cambridgeshire in a major operation over the weekend, intercepting more than 50 suspected poachers and hare hunters.
On Saturday, January 17, officers were called to reports of a man and child trespassing on farmland near Haddon Road, Haddon, and poaching with a dog.
The group was causing damage to fields and vehicles, causing concern for both landowners and road users in the area.
Local crime investigators tracked their movements in a wooded area near the A1(M) and used air support to monitor the group as they tried to evade police.
Surrounding roads were closed to contain them, and police were able to use fingerprint recognition technology to detain and identify those involved.
Several vehicles and equipment believed to be related to poaching were seized.
A total of 40 people were dispersed from the area. These will now be investigated for a wide range of rural and wildlife offences, including the possibility of issuing Area Protection Warnings and Notices which could restrict movement and lead to further enforcement if breached.
Police action continued the following day, Sunday January 18, following new reports of hare hunters driving through fields on Main Drive in Little Downham.
When officers arrived, the men abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.
With the help of police drones and air support, they were located and detained, and the incident was quickly brought to a close.
The four men were interviewed, issued with community protection warnings and notices, and dispersed by the county. Four lurcher-type dogs were also seized as part of the operation.
Sergeant Tom Nuttall, from the Rural Crime Squad, said officers were determined to send a clear message to those involved in rural crime.
“Tackling poaching and hare tracking remains a priority for us as a force and we are committed to working closely with our partners and local communities to address these issues,” he said.
“Hare tracking and the associated criminal activities such as intimidation, criminal damage and even violence can have a significant impact on our rural areas. These activities not only harm wildlife and the environment, but also cause distress to landowners and residents.
“We will continue to take action against those involved, use available resources and protect the Cambridgeshire countryside.”
