Dorset Police news site

Dedicated patrols targeting poachers and hare coursers have been launched in Dorset.

This year’s Operation Galileo will see Rural Crime Team (RCT) officers work with partners and colleagues from across the Force to build on the work of previous years in protecting agricultural land and dealing robustly with perpetrators.

The first deployment saw the RCT joined by colleagues from the roads policing team on the evening of Friday 7 August 2026 to respond to information and intelligence around poaching offences and related suspicious activity, including vehicles using the county’s road network.

The operation focussed on rural areas of east and north Dorset, where poaching reports are most prevalent and teams were also joined by officers from Wiltshire Police.

As well as providing a visible policing presence in these rural areas, officers stopped a number of vehicles during the operation, including two which were suspected of having cloned number plates.

Sergeant Mia Jakeman, of the Rural Crime Team, said: “Poaching and related offences do not only involve cruelty to wild animals, they also have a significant financial impact on rural landowners during what is a crucial time of year for them.

“We are committed to working with our rural communities to ensure we protect their property and respond effectively to any reports of poaching or related activity.

“We do this by sharing intelligence with our partners, including neighbouring forces, as well as providing a visible presence through Operation Galileo and other proactive work in areas we know are targeted.

“We want to be clear that poaching is not a sport or a bit of fun, it is a serious criminal offence – often linked to organised crime networks – that has serious consequences and we will ensure anyone involved in this criminality is dealt with robustly.

“Members of the public can play their part by reporting any suspicious activity to us so we can respond appropriately.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: "I was pleased to join officers on this latest Operation Galileo. I know the devastating impact offences such as poaching and hare coursing have on our farming communities, landowners and our precious countryside.

"Operations like Op Galileo demonstrate Dorset Police's determination to take proactive action against those who think they can use our rural areas as a place to commit crime. During this operation, officers from the Rural Crime Team worked alongside Roads Policing officers and specialist drone operators to target poaching and hare coursing hotspots identified through intelligence from the public. This coordinated approach sends a clear message that these crimes will not be tolerated in Dorset.

"These crimes are far from victimless. They cause distress to landowners, threaten livestock and wildlife, damage crops and property, and are often linked to wider organised criminality. Our rural communities deserve to feel safe and supported, which is why I continue to back the work of Dorset Police's Rural Crime Team and invest in policing that protects those living and working across our county. 

"I also want to thank everyone who continues to report suspicious activity and share information with Dorset Police. Intelligence from local communities is invaluable in helping officers identify offenders, target enforcement activity and bring those responsible to justice. The message is simple: if you target Dorset's countryside, Dorset Police will target you."

If you see suspected poaching in progress, dial 999 immediately. Anyone with further information or intelligence around poaching related activity can contact us via the Dorset Police website or by calling 101. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online using its website or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.