A COUNTYWIDE crackdown on hare coursing is taking place as part of a police operation.

Operation Galileo was launched to catch offenders and raise awareness of the problems associated with hare coursing, including criminal damage to property and agricultural land, theft, and anti-social and threatening behaviour.

Hare coursing is a bloodsport where dogs are used to chase, catch and kill hares.

It is illegal in the UK under the Hunting Act 2004.

Essex Police officers also carried out high visibility patrols in Uttlesford and the Dengie Peninsula, areas that have previously been identified as being affected.

Community protection warnings were issued to two people suspected of being regularly involved with hare coursing activities.

Operation Galileo, launched on February 18, will run alongside Operation Buzzard which was launched last September to tackle rural crime.

Sergeant Paul Downes said: "It is our aim to prevent this activity from taking place in this county.

"We take rural crime very seriously and we will continue to work hard to protect our communities.

"We work closely with our farming and rural communities, to address their concerns and issues. We achieve this through regular meetings such as Farm Watch meetings.

"We ask that the public report all incidents of hare coursing or suspicious activity.

"Doing so allows us to gather information and intelligence in relation to suspected offenders, allowing us to task our resources accordingly.”

Anyone with information should call Essex Police on 101.