The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Five vehicles seized as part of Lincolnshire Police’s clampdown on hare coursing have been scrapped.
The action is part of the force’s Operation Galileo, which has led to 156 men being arrested or reported for summons since September 1. This figure compares to 65 people during the season September 2014 to March 2015.
Fifteen vehicles have been seized so far this season and 63 other men have been dealt with by other enforcement action such as direction to leave or traffic offences.
Force lead for rural crime, Ch Insp Jim Tyner said: “I am often asked what happens to the seized vehicles.
“Three Subaru Forresters seized from suspected hare coursers in October have been scrapped. A Nissan Terrano and a Vauxhall Frontera seized in November have also been scrapped.
“Several other vehicles seized for no insurance are going through the administrative procedure and most will be scrapped. If the owner produces a valid current insurance certificate they can reclaim their vehicle but they have to pay the recovery and storage fees.
“They are still prosecuted for the original offence of no insurance at the time they were stopped. A Subaru Legacy, a Nissan Almeira, a Mitsubishi Shogun and another Subaru Forrester seized under the Hunting Act are currently held pending the prosecution of the drivers.
“Operation Galileo continues and I remain determined that we use all legislative powers available to us to deal with the scourge of hare coursing.”
