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Operation Tree: Kent Police are concerned that hare coursing is taking place in and around the Parish. Swale Countryside Forum is particularly concerned and raised this issue. If you see anything suspicious call Sittingbourne station - 477055. We are also concerned that there have been unexplained groups parking in Mintching Wood, this may be badger baiting or something quite innocent. You can also contact the Parish Council, who will pass on any information.
You are also reminded of the important national charity that is working to protect you, your family and your community - Crimestoppers.
The Gazette and Times, Reported on 23 February 2005
Rural crime campaign hits coursers
A police initiative targeting rural crime has been praised after yielding a bumper crop of criminals.
Operation Tree ran through the autumn and early winter, and was primarily focused on catching illegal hare-coursers operating in the countryside around Faversham.
The crackdown paid off, with 13 people arrested and sent to court for coursing-related offences. A total of £1,695 was dished out in fines.
Landowner John Leigh-Pemberton, praised the operation’s effectiveness and hopes that it will continue.
He said: “I feel it has deterred the hare-coursers and I have noticed that we have not had our crops damaged by people driving over them.”
Mr Leigh-Pemberton thanked the police for their help and MP Hugh Robertson for backing the campaign.
Operation Tree also saw Swale Police clamp down on other forms of rural crime and four people were arrested on suspicion of theft.
Nuisance motorcyclists were also hit hard, with five official warnings handed out and one bike seized from a repeat offender.
Co-ordinator PC Darren Walshaw confirmed that the next stage of Operation Tree is already being planned
He added:” I hope this operation has emphasised that Swale Police are dedicated to tackling rural crime and reducing fear.
“I was keen for the team to carry out high-profile patrols and increase our visibility within the rural community, and I feel we have done this.
“I also hope this has sent the message to hare-coursers that they are not welcome in Swale and we will report them to the court.”
BBC Reported on 1st April 2004
Police crackdown on hare coursers
Kent Police have set up a special operation in an attempt to try to stamp out illegal hare coursing.
Thousands of pounds are gambled when dogs are set on hares, giving the animals little chance to escape.
Farmers say gangs of men descend on fields without permission, destroying crops and threatening and intimidating anyone who stands in their way.
Police have already charged four men with trespass since the launch of Operation Tree last month.
Government action
Stuart Renders, a farmer from Maidstone, is regularly targeted by the hare coursers.
"I've confronted them quite frequently and you find that if they're here and they're gambling and betting on the dogs, then they're quite intimidating and can be quite aggressive," he said.
The police initiative in the Swale/Maidstone area is being backed by the Labour MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, Hugh Robertson.
Many of his rural constituents have suffered distress and financial losses from illegal hare coursing, which usually happens late at night.
Mr Robertson is seeking to bring in a private members' bill that will enable more effective policing to tackle the problem.
Jeff Holroyd, of the National Farmers' Union, said the problems caused were "very disturbing".
Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/england/kent/3588725.stm
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