Rural Crime Alert: Suspected Illegal Poaching Event Could Spread Into Hampshire Countryside

Police have issued a warning to rural communities across Dorset and neighbouring counties following intelligence reports suggesting that an illegal poaching and hare coursing event may take place between Thursday 25 September and Sunday 28 September 2025.

According to intelligence gathered by officers, a large gathering of individuals suspected to be involved in wildlife crime may be planning to operate in the area surrounding Horton and Sixpenny Handley in Dorset, with possible activity extending along the A354 into Wiltshire and Hampshire, including rural parts of the New Forest and Test Valley.

Police forces across Dorset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire are working closely together in response to this threat. Additional resources are being prepared to respond swiftly should any illegal activity be reported during the suspected timeframe.

“Officers have been liaising with our fellow colleagues in our neighbouring forces as our intelligence suggests that activity related to this event could cross into Hampshire, including the New Forest or Test Valley areas,” a police spokesperson said. “We would like to reassure members of the local community that we have extra resources ready to be deployed in the event of reports being received.”

Authorities are urging farmers, landowners, and rural workers to remain vigilant over the coming days and to take steps to secure their land and property. This includes checking boundary security, reinforcing gates and hinges, limiting access points, and maintaining security equipment.

Tips for landowners to increase security include:
• Ensuring all perimeter boundaries are secure and well-maintained
• Installing covered padlocks and inverted gate hinges to prevent tampering
• Using physical barriers like tree trunks or rocks to restrict wide vehicle access
• Reducing the number of access points to one main gated entrance, where feasible
• Regularly testing alarms, CCTV, and other security devices

Police also encourage residents to report any suspicious behaviour, including unknown vehicles or groups congregating in rural areas. If safe to do so, individuals are advised to make a note of vehicle details and descriptions of those involved, and to report this information via the non-emergency line 101 or the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website.

Anyone who witnesses a crime in progress is urged to dial 999 immediately.

“Always consider your own personal safety first before approaching anyone you think might be doing something illegal,” added the spokesperson.

The police stress that community awareness and cooperation are vital in helping to combat rural crime.

For further updates and information, visit: Hampshire Constabulary’s website.