POACHER blocks have been donated to a police force in a bid to tackle hare coursing.

The Hare Preservation Trust has donated seven blocks and a drone to the police force to help support hare coursing investigations. 

The poacher blocks are owned by Wiltshire Police but will be loaned to farmers across Wiltshire who have been targeted by hare coursers. 

On Thursday, (November 28), one farmer was given a poacher block. 

The farmer, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “We have had trouble with hare coursers in the past, who have all used this gateway to access the farm.

"There is now no other entrance for hare coursers to gain access to the farm so hopefully the poacher block will deter hare coursers from returning.

"Poacher blocks are a great tool, and I am hopeful it will put a stop to hare coursing on my land.”

The concrete blocks are designed to be stored in gateways and entrances to block access to private land. The shape means farm machinery can drive over the blocks, but they will prevent cars and 4x4 vehicles accessing the land.

Chief inspector, James Brain, tactical lead for rural crime, said: “Tackling hare coursing and poaching is one of the Chief Constable’s priorities for rural crime, and officers across the force remain absolutely committed to tackling hare coursing and poaching.

"We are grateful to the Hare Preservation Trust for donating such valuable resources for us to be able to loan to our farming communities. We are hopeful that the seven new poacher blocks will support the most vulnerable victims of hare coursing to protect their property and prevent further destruction by hare coursers.

 “Our teams have made significant progress in disrupting hare coursing incidents and bringing offenders to justice. Since September, Wiltshire Police have made eleven arrests and seized eleven vehicles.

"In addition, Section 35 dispersal orders have been issued to nine individuals, which bans those individuals from being in a specific location for up to 48 hours.”

Hare Coursing is illegal under the 2004 Hunting Act. It usually involves individuals using dogs to chase hares on open land, and they will bet on the winning dog and length of the chase. 

The crime can damage crips, land, entrances, property and more, causing substantial financial loss for farmers. 

A spokesperson from the Hare Preservation Trust added: "The poacher blocks seem to work extremely well and are designed to be moved by tractors and can therefore be placed where needed. The drone will enable the Wiltshire Rural Crime Team to see exactly where the problem is and pinpoint their response, all to the benefit of wildlife."

Wiltshire Police have said that if you notice concerning or suspicious activity in relation to hare coursing, such as the presence of 4x4 vehicles driving fast over open land, the presence of lurcher-type dogs, flashing lights from lamps, or congregations of groups in open farmland, then call 999.