Surge in hare coursing and poaching in rural Shropshire - this is what police are doing about it

Officers say the crimes have included hare coursing, poaching and machinery thefts and they are urging residents to remain vigilant.

A spokesperson for Wellington west and rural local policing team said: “It has come to our attention that there has been a recent surge in rural crime, particularly incidents of hare coursing, poaching, and machinery theft in the north of Telford.

“In response to this concerning trend, the local policing team will be stepping up patrols in the area to actively deter and prevent these criminal activities.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community, and we urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to the authorities. By working together, we can effectively combat these crimes and protect our rural areas.”