Lincolnshire Police have received reports of dangerous driving resulting in “thousands of pounds’ worth” of crop damage to farms in the area, produced by what police suspect were illegal hare and deer coursers.
According to a police statement, the first report was raised shortly before 8:00a.m on Sunday, (January 19), with up to 14 vehicles, some in convoy, reportedly witnessed in various parts of the county, including south of Lincoln, Sleaford and the Spilsby area.
Further calls were made to the station describing erratic driving, with one silver 4×4 vehicle reportedly driving with an exhaust pipe dangling underneath.
In addition to reports of dangerous driving, police claimed to have fielded calls reporting deer being chased by drivers of vehicles and drivers doing “doughnuts” in fields, resulting in excessive damage to crops.
Specialist operations superintendent, Pat Coates, who is investigating the case, described the situation as “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 being used by these criminals who come to course hares, they don’t mind trashing them or leaving them behind, or as we quite often do seize them.
“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 would 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 and [have issued] witness appeals to identify those involved,” he said.
Lincolnshire Police have appealed to the public for any information that may assist its investigation into the identities of the perpetrators of the crimes.
It is particularly seeking dashcam or CCTV footage which may help its formal inquires.
