Four men were reported for hare coursing in March as police step up its efforts to combat hare coursing and poaching.

The 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, Ramsey, with a blue Subaru car seized.

Twenty people have been reported for poaching offences since December 8.

CLA East Regional Surveyor Tim Woodward 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 Cambridgeshire Police.

“People should not be reticent about calling 999 if they suspect a crime is actually taking place.

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

Any information regarding suspicious activity in the countryside should be reported by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.