POLICE have dealt with 116 incidents of hare coursing since the beginning of the season – resulting in 23 people being reported, three arrested and seven vehicles being seized.

The first incident took place at the start of the season in September, when officers were called to reports of four people on some land in Yaxley. They were spoken to by officers and given some words of advice about incidents of hare coursing.

Year-on-year, police say there has been a drop in the number of hare coursing incidents in the county – there were 32 incidents reported during November compared to 40 the same time last year.

Inspector Ian Ford said: “Hare coursing has a serious impact on the rural community and anyone taking part in such activity will be dealt with.

“I would like to thank Countryside Watch and the public for their help in reporting this type of anti-social behaviour.

“We have been responding to all incidents and used a range of tactics to catch the offenders and officers will continue their efforts to prevent this illegal activity.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.