HAMPSHIRE Constabulary’s Country Watch team is urging vigilance in at attempt to clamp down on hare coursing.

Deemed illegal under the Hunting Act 2004, hare coursing tends to start after harvest, around the end of August or start of September, when large tracts of land are left without standing crops. And it is more likely to take place at dawn or dusk.

The most obvious sign is a group of vehicles parked in a rural area, perhaps by a gateway to farmland, on a grass verge, on a farm track or bridle path. There will usually be estate cars, four-wheel drive vehicles or vans. They may contain evidence of dogs inside such as muddy paw prints and dog hair.

Anyone who sees anything suspicious should call the police on 101.