Wiltshire Police's Rural Crime Team is actively stepping up activity to prevent or catch hare coursers over the coming weeks.

Hare coursing is the practice of chasing wild hares with dogs and the Rural Crime Team is working with the farming community and other partners as part of Operation Galileo to stamp it out.

A spokesperson for the police said: “What many people don’t realise is that the hare coursing is a means to these gangs generating huge sums of money through live-streaming their activities for illegal gambling around the world.

"This then funds other criminal activity.”

“We would urge members of the public to report any instances of active hare coursing by calling 999 or reporting online after the event.”

Witnesses are urged not to approach those taking part, but to take a note of the location, type and colour of vehicles, how many people involved, if there are dogs present and if any weapons have been seen. Photos or video evidence can be helpful in bringing about a successful prosecution, but people should not take unnecessary risks to obtain it.

If you see hare coursing taking place call 999.