INCIDENTS of illegal hare coursing are increasing across the county this autumn, and the police are urging the public to be vigilant and report any suspected coursing they spot.

There have been 11 hare coursing incidents reported in Cambridgeshire since October 1, in areas including Ely, Guyhirn, Thorney, Eye, Rampton and Heydon.

Inspector Ian Ford said: “Hare coursing is a seasonal problem and we are now getting to that time of year when hare coursing is most common.

“Officers will respond to all incidents and are utilising a range of different tactics to catch and convict offenders.

“A couple of letters have been sent out to car owners who were seen in suspicious circumstances warning them of our patrols and intelligence is being gathered.

“It is very important that people report incidents immediately so officers can get to the scene and catch the culprits.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.