Rural Crime Update

EAST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE

Four men were arrested after we received reports of hare coursing and driving offences in progress at Kilpin, near Gilberdyke, East Riding of Yorkshire. The vehicle made off down the B1230 and then A614 towards Goole at around 8.30am on Sunday, 21 September. 

The vehicle was then sighted again in the afternoon at Susworth,  near Burringham, North Lincolnshire at around 14.30pm on Sunday, 21 September, where the vehicle went off road and all four males decamped from the vehicle with the dogs.

Initially, officers were immediately deployed and swiftly spotted a vehicle believed to be connected to the report travelling towards Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire.

When requested by Rural Task Force officers, the driver of the vehicle reportedly failed to stop leading to a pursuit before the driver allegedly rammed into the Rural Task Force vehicle in an attempt to evade arrest. Thankfully, no one was injured as a result.

To assist the Rural Task Force in locating the vehicle, officers from our Dog Unit and Roads Policing Unit were also deployed alongside National Police Air Service (NPAS), leading to the vehicle eventually being located in a field near East Butterwick.

A 27-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of failing to stop, dangerous driving, driving without insurance, trespassing in pursuit of game / poaching, and being equipped for searching for or pursuing hares with dogs. The male was further arrested on suspicion for driving whilst disqualified, criminal damage to a motor vehicle, and criminal damage to land. 

A 23-year-old man was also arrested at the scene on suspicion of trespassing in pursuit of game / poaching. This male was further arrested on suspicion of criminal damage to a motor vehicle, and criminal damage to land.  

A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being equipped for searching for or pursuing hares with dogs. This male was further arrested on suspicion of criminal damage to a motor vehicle, and criminal damage to land. 

A  41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being equipped for searching for or pursuing hares with dogs, and trespassing with intent to search for or pursue hares with dogs. The male was further arrested on suspicion of criminal damage to a motor vehicle, and criminal damage to land. 

Six dogs were also seized as a result.

A vehicle was seized under S165 for having no insurance.

All four males were bailed with conditions.

If anyone has any information or concerns about hare coursing in their area, please contact us via our non-emergency number 101. Always call 999 in an emergency or if a crime is ongoing, and if you wish to report anonymously, you can do so via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.