Alcester Police South SNT Forum Priorities – Alcester & Bidford Community Forum

The latest Poll is now live. Please vote for the suggestion you would like to see set as a priority. The three with the most votes will be adopted by the team as a priority till March 2018. These suggestions are above the normal work carried out by the Team.   If you have a suggestion for the next Poll in March, please let the team know. https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/article/3306/Alcester-Police-South-SNT-Forum-Priorities

Hare Coursing

Hare coursing is a blood sport where dogs are used to chase, catch and kill hares. It is illegal in the UK under the Hunting Act 2004, which makes it an offence to hunt wild mammals with dogs.  Anyone convicted of the offence can receive a fine of up to £5,000 by a Magistrates’ Court. Legislation also gives police the powers to seize and detain vehicles until the court hearing.  Powers to seize vehicles may also be granted under section 30 of the Game Act 1831. Hare coursing tends to start after harvest when large areas of land have been cleared of standing crops.  Warwickshire’s rural landscape makes it a popular area for hare coursing.  It often attracts coursers from outside of the county.

What to look out for – You can help us fight hare coursing by looking out for activity in your area.

• The most obvious sign is groups of vehicles parked in a rural area, perhaps by a gateway to farmland, on a grass verge, on a farm track or bridle path.
• They will usually be estate cars, four wheel drives or vans. It will be obvious looking inside whether there is evidence of dogs or not.
• They often travel in convoy, with vans at the front and rear containing minders.
• They will often use binoculars to spot hares.
• Coursers will often walk along the edge of a field to frighten a hare into the open.

Report it – If you see hare coursing taking place, or suspect it is happening in your area contact us immediately on 101.  We advise that you do not approach the participants. It may help us if you can answer any of the questions when reporting wildlife crime:

• Are the suspect/s alone or in a group?
• Are they trespassing?
• Do they have equipment with them?
• Do they have dogs or firearms with them?
• Where are they going?
• Where have they been?
• What do they look like?
• Have they any vehicles?
• What are the number plates and vehicle models?
• Can you safely get a photograph?

More help and support – National Rural Crime Network – www.nationalruralcrimenetwork.net

Join South Warwickshire Citizens’ Academy

The Citizens’ Academy is an exciting opportunity to understand and experience how Warwickshire Police protects local people from harm and improves residents’ quality of life. 11 April – 27 June 2018, Stratford Samaritans Community Hub, Tyler House, Tyler Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6TY. Wednesday 6.30pm- 8.30pm.   Apply online at    WarksSouth.CitizensAcademy@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk    Closing date 4 April 2018. *Criteria will be applied to the selection process and successful applicants will be subject to security checks.  https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/article/16538/South-Warwickshire-Citizens-Academy