Illegal Hunting – May 2023

The operational policing response to all illegal activity is the responsibility of the Chief Constable, and not the Police and Crime Commissioner. I support firm policing of all illegal activity in the countryside including illegal hunting, poaching and hare coursing, as well as the illegal interference with lawful activities. Rural crime blights our countryside and there is no place in any of our communities for intimidation and violence, theft of livestock, equipment and vehicles, and the destruction of livelihoods. I am pleased that the Chief Constable shares my determination to have offenders dealt with robustly and to put them in front of the courts swiftly in order that we may all enjoy the beautiful Bedfordshire countryside, and those in our agricultural communities can go about their lives safely.