February 28, 2017 1.10 pm This story is over 85 months old

Video: Watch Lincolnshire Police crush car used by hare coursers

A vehicle used by hare coursers has been crushed by Lincolnshire Police. The Honda CR-V was seized from the Deeping St James area in September 2016 as part of Operation Galileo – the force’s clampdown on the illegal bloodsport. Assistant Chief Constable Paul Gibson was joined by Police and Crime Commissioner, Marc Jones, and his…
The remains of the car after it was crushed

A vehicle used by hare coursers has been crushed by Lincolnshire Police.

The Honda CR-V was seized from the Deeping St James area in September 2016 as part of Operation Galileo – the force’s clampdown on the illegal bloodsport.

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Gibson was joined by Police and Crime Commissioner, Marc Jones, and his deputy, Stuart Tweedale, to watch the crushing on Thursday, February 23.

Watch the video of the vehicle being crushed below.

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Gibson said: “The crushing of this vehicle is a visual representation of the steps we are prepared to take to tackle hare coursing.

“We fully recognise the impact hare coursing has on rural communities and the fear and concern it causes.

“Wherever we can, we prosecute offenders and employ other deterrents such as seizing vehicles and confiscating dogs and we are committed to supporting farmers and protecting the countryside from those who come to Lincolnshire to commit these offences.”

Sergeant Leanne Carr said: “It’s about looking at it from the impact that it has on rural and farming communities.

“There’s damage to land, gates which are broken and crops which are damaged.

“It’s about communities feeling that they’re not safe when high-powered vehicles are speeding through villages.”

Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones. Photo: Lincolnshire Reporter

Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones added: “There isn’t one simple solution to problem of rural crime. We need to make sure that the force acts, that when people are caught they are prosecuted to the full extent of the law and then magistrates have to impose sentences that act as a deterrent.

“If one of the links in the chain doesn’t hold then the whole process becomes much more difficult.

“Myself and the new chief constable have made public pledges to tackle these gangs arriving in our communities and today’s action shows our intent.”