Police Respond to Suspected Poaching in The Candovers

Officers from Hampshire Constabulary’s Rural Crime Taskforce, alongside the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) and Roads Policing Unit (RPU), were called to farmland in The Candovers over the weekend following reports of suspected poaching.

Landowners contacted police after spotting a dark-coloured vehicle behaving suspiciously on private land, believed to be ‘scouting’ for potential poaching activity. In response, a coordinated police operation was launched.

Units from each department attended the scene. Officers entered the farmland to support the site owners, while others patrolled surrounding areas or remained on standby. A drone operated by Country Watch provided aerial surveillance during the search. Despite a thorough investigation, the vehicle had already left the scene by the time officers arrived.

Shortly after officers resumed patrols, the same vehicle was spotted travelling along the B3046 by officers from the Rural Crime Taskforce. A pursuit began through narrow country lanes. However, due to the potential risk to members of the public—including walkers and horse riders—officers made the decision to abandon the pursuit in the interest of public safety.

Police say the incident marks the early stages of what is expected to be an active poaching season. Rural crime officers are urging countryside visitors and residents to remain vigilant.

“This is but the start of the poaching season and situations like these are likely to be on the rise,” a spokesperson for the Rural Crime Taskforce said. “We implore those who are out and about enjoying the countryside of Hampshire to keep on the lookout and to report any suspicious vehicles or situations to the police.”

Anyone with information or concerns about potential poaching is encouraged to contact Hampshire Constabulary.