A SEASON'S harvest could be ruined and thousands of pounds worth of damage have been caused in suspected hare coursing in North Dorset.

Police have ramped up patrols and are urging landowners to consider stepping up their security measures.

Officers have identified a black Subaru estate they believe was linked to a number of dead hares found dumped at a petrol station in Verwood.

It is thought this incident could be linked to activity on farm land in the Tarrant Valley area.

Dorset Police said a number of incidents have occurred around the A354, generally involving offenders entering at night and driving on private land.

The force said this has caused significant damage to crops, including on the night of Wednesday, May 19, and between 12pm on Friday, May 21, and 8am on Saturday May 22.

The dead hares at Verwood were found on Wednesday, May 19.

Inspector Simon Perry, of North Dorset police, said: “We are carrying out increased targeted patrols in the areas impacted and conducting investigations into this emerging series of criminal damage, which we believe is directly linked to the act of hare coursing. Hare coursing involves chasing hares with dogs and is illegal under the Hunting Act 2004.

“We are encouraging landowners to review their security measures, including considering environmental security measures such as ditches.

“We also have a dedicated team of rural crime officers who have been visiting landowners and can be contacted by anyone needing security advice. They can be contacted via 101 or 'do it online' at www.dorset.police.uk.

“As part of our enquiries into these matters, we have identified a black Subaru estate, which is believed to have been involved in the dumping of hare carcasses in the Verwood area. I can confirm the registration for this vehicle is DU05 OKO and I would urge anyone who has seen this vehicle in the vicinity to please contact us.

“I would also urge anyone who has witnessed any suspicious activity or has any information that might assist our investigation to get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210079374. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call freephone 0800 555 111.

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