Hare coursing is spreading beyond some of its traditional hotspots, according to a fresh warning from the National Farmers’ Union.
The NFU said on 16 September 2026 that members are seeing offending in areas including parts of the West Midlands and South Wales. It described trespass, intimidation and damage to crops and property, alongside the harm caused to wildlife.
That warning does not mean every suspicious vehicle near a field is linked to coursing, or that the problem has increased equally in every county. It does justify reviewing the farm’s response before an incident happens — especially after harvest, when large open fields can become easier targets.
The priority is personal safety. Farmers, staff and family members should know how to report an incident, what information the police need and why nobody should confront suspected offenders.
What has changed in 2026?
Police operations against hare coursing are not new, but two current developments matter.
First, the NFU says reports suggest offending is moving into new areas. West Mercia Police launched Operation Snare during September’s National Rural Crime Action Week, citing post-harvest vulnerability, damage to farms and intimidation.
Second, England and Wales now have the first dedicated sentencing guideline for four offences associated with hare coursing. The Sentencing Council guideline took effect on 1 June 2026 and is intended to help courts assess the full harm of an offence and use the available sentencing and ancillary powers consistently.
The guideline strengthens the response after an offender reaches court. It does not remove the need for prompt reporting and good evidence at farm level.
Seven practical checks for farms
1. Agree who calls and what number to use
Write a short procedure that applies to employees, family members and contractors.
The NFU’s reporting advice is clear: call 999 when a crime is in progress and use 101 for a crime that has already happened. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers.
When reporting, say “hare coursing” if that is what you believe is happening. Give the precise location, safest access point and direction of travel. A field name known only within the farm is less useful than a grid reference, road junction, postcode or other location the control room can identify.
2. Do not confront suspected offenders
Do not block a vehicle with a tractor, stand in an entrance or approach people to obtain a better photograph.
West Mercia Police warned that people should never approach, challenge or attempt to stop those involved. The NFU similarly warns that openly filming at close range may inflame the situation.
Move to a safe position, keep doors locked where appropriate and follow police instructions. If a lone worker feels threatened, their escape route matters more than the registration number.
3. Prepare an evidence prompt
People remember more when they have a simple prompt under pressure. Keep one in the farm office and in working vehicles.
If it is safe, record:
- Exact location and time
- Number of people and dogs
- Vehicle registration, make, model and colour
- Distinctive marks, damage or trailers
- Direction of arrival and departure
- Any damage to crops, gates, fences or tracks
- Threats, intimidation or weapons seen
- Photographs, video or dashcam footage obtained without approaching
Do not publish allegations or identifiable images on social media while an investigation is active. Preserve the original files and give them to the police through the route they specify.
4. Make access harder without creating another hazard
Review field entrances, weak gates and places where a verge or track allows vehicles to bypass a barrier.
Options may include stronger gates, suitable locks, earth bunds, ditches or purpose-designed barriers. However, access measures must not obstruct a public right of way, interfere with drainage, harm a protected feature or create a danger to legitimate users.
Consult the relevant rights-of-way, planning or environmental authority where necessary. Emergency services and authorised farm traffic must still be able to reach the land.
5. Give police useful location information in advance
Create a simple map showing field names, entrances, grid references, locked gates and routes suitable for police vehicles. Keep a copy electronically and at the farm office.
Ask the local force whether it has a rural crime team, farm-watch scheme or preferred method for reporting intelligence. Record the direct contact details, but do not use a non-emergency channel instead of 999 when a crime is taking place or someone is at immediate risk.
Neighbouring farms can share factual warnings about direction of travel or repeated vehicles. Avoid encouraging anybody to pursue a suspect or creating an unverified public accusation.
6. Record damage after the site is safe
Once the offenders have left and the police say it is safe, photograph damage before routine repair where practical.
Capture wide views showing the location and closer images of tyre marks, broken gates, fencing, damaged crops or discarded items. Note the affected field, approximate area, repair work and operational disruption. Retain invoices and contractor records if an insurance or compensation claim may follow.
Do not disturb an item the police may wish to examine. Ask the attending officer or control room how it should be handled.
7. Review cameras and vehicle readiness
Motion-activated cameras, CCTV and dashcams may deter offending or provide evidence, but they need lawful, proportionate placement and secure handling. Check current data-protection guidance before capturing public roads, neighbouring property or audio.
Farm vehicles used by lone workers should carry a charged phone, emergency contacts and suitable basic equipment for the conditions. Farm Packs supplies a vehicle safety emergency kit containing visibility, lighting, charging and first-aid items in one bag.
Any kit should be checked against the farm’s own risk assessment, component specifications and expiry dates. It does not make confrontation safe and is not a substitute for calling the police.
Run a ten-minute briefing now
Before the next incident, ask everyone working on the farm to confirm four points:
- They know when to call 999 and when to use 101.
- They will not approach, challenge, block or pursue suspected offenders.
- They can give an exact field location and direction of travel.
- They know how to preserve photographs, video and damage records.
The NFU’s latest warning is about a criminal problem that can cross force and county boundaries. Farmers cannot solve it by taking personal risks. Their most useful contribution is a prepared response: safe reporting, accurate locations, discreet evidence and access controls that have been checked for legality and practicality.
This article provides general information and does not replace police instructions, legal advice, data-protection guidance or a site-specific security and lone-working assessment.
Sources
NFU: More collaboration needed to tackle hare coursing — 16 September 2026
West Mercia Police: Operation Snare steps up efforts to target illegal hare coursing — 7 September 2026
Sentencing Council: Hare coursing guideline — effective 1 June 2026
NFU: Hare coursing — what to do if you have been affected — 29 October 2025
