A car was seized and three men were reported as part of an ongoing police campaign to combat hare coursing and poaching.

Police were alerted to a suspicious vehicle in the Thorney area, last Wednesday, with three men seen with dogs hare coursing.

A police spokesman said: “The vehicle was seen to leave the area of Thorney and head towards Wisbech where local officers worked well together and managed to stop the vehicle in Pickards Way.

“The offenders were interviewed in relation to the incident and have all been reported for the offence of Hare coursing and will be summoned to attend court at a later date. Their vehicle was also seized by officers.”

The three men are the latest to be reported.

Four men were reported on December 19 for hare coursing in Whitemoor Road, March. One of the men was also arrested for criminal damage and making threats.

The following day, four men were reported in Benwick, with a blue Subaru car seized.

Supporting the action, Tim Woodward, east regional surveyor for the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), said: “Hare coursers are hardened criminals who are engaged in illegal betting involving large sums of money, and prepared to use violence if disturbed.

“Evidence shows that they are frequently also involved in other criminal activity too.

“The public should not tackle these criminals themsleves, but if they spot a suspicious vehicle in the countryside they should take the registration number and call police.

“Calls from the public really do make a difference. They provide police with crucial intelligence that helps them better manage resources to combat crime more effectively.”

To report suspicious activity, call 101 or 999 in an emergency.