Police are urgently seeking dashcam footage, CCTV, or any information after suspected hare and deer coursers caused thousands of pounds’ worth of damage to crops and drove dangerously.
Police said:
‘Up to 14 vehicles were seen yesterday (Sunday, 19 January), some in convoy, in various parts of the county. These included areas south of Lincoln, as well as the Sleaford and Spilsby areas.
‘The first report was received shortly before 8 a.m. on Sunday, 19 January, of hare coursers on land with dogs. Further calls were received describing erratic driving, including one report of a silver 4×4 vehicle driving with an exhaust dangling underneath.
‘Alongside reports of dangerous driving, we also received calls about deer being chased by drivers of vehicles and drivers performing ‘doughnuts’ in fields, causing extensive damage to crops.
Superintendent Pat Coates, Specialist Operations, said: “This is one of the worst reports we have seen this year. Some of the reports describe extremely dangerous driving, with people having to take action to avoid head-on collisions. All of the vehicles were grotty old cars, and this is obviously a tactic used by these criminals who come to course hares. They don’t mind trashing the cars or leaving them behind, or, as we quite often do, having them seized.
“One of the drivers involved, who was driving a 4×4, lost control and drove into a drain. It’s a good job it wasn’t filled with water; otherwise, the outcome could have been very different. Three people were arrested from this car after they tried to run away.
“We will be reviewing all of the footage we have been sent, as well as witness appeals, to identify those involved.”
We are appealing for any information and footage that will assist in identifying those involved in these incidents. Please email ruralcrime@lincs.police.uk with any information that may help. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org online.
Please refer to Incident 120 of 19 January 2025.