National Farmers Unions works closely with Lincolnshire Police to tackle rural crime as they launch their annual Operation Galileo to tackle hare coursing

The National Farmers’ Union is among those working closely with the police on Operation Galileo.

Union representatives were at Lincolnshire Police's annual launch of the campaign last week.

This partnership shows the shared commitment to safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers, protecting rural landscapes, and ensuring the safety of those in the countryside.

NFU county advisor for South Lincolnshire, Gabriella Gregory, said: “The farmers are the ones with the first-hand experience, the ones who deal with it on a day-to-day basis and throughout the season.

“It is much bigger than just a car with people letting their dogs out and chase a hare, it is what happens in the aftermath of it as well, how it affects the farmer, their wellbeing and business and company.

“The police have strengthened the law on hare coursing, which has positively impacted our members. They feel like they are being listened to but there is a lot more we can do.”

Lincolnshire is reported to be the county with the highest numbers of hare coursing. Reports show that people travel from all over the country, including Wales and the south to practise the blood sport.

“Lincolnshire as a county is fantastic for hare coursers, it is flat land, it is open space and we lack hedges,” said Gabriella.

The NFU has played an important role in raising awareness about the detrimental effects of rural crime, not only on the farming community but also on the wider population.

It has organised community workshops, provided resources on crime prevention, and encouraged farmers to adopt security measures.

Rhonda Thompson, an NFU county advisor for Lincolnshire said: “Rural crime happens because there are remote locations.

“This operation is really important because the police are trying to combat rural crime in the county and this message goes to farmers, land owners and people living in rural areas to try and give them some reassurance.

“It is important what the police is saying — we are here, we are waiting for you. We might not get you the first time you come in, maybe not the second but we will definitely going get you because we are here, we are waiting.”