POLICE officers carried out patrols across the Dengie Peninsula as a new operation launched to crackdown on hare coursing.

Operation Galileo launched last month to tackle offenders and raise awareness of problems associated with the practice.

These include criminal damage to property and agricultural land, theft and antisocial 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.

As part of the launch high visibility patrols were carried out across the Dengie and in Uttlesford.

Both are areas that have previously been affected.

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

These warning stipulate a number of conditions that prevent anti-social behaviour and improve the quality of life of rural communities.

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

Sgt 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 about criminal activity is asked to contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.