Farmers west of Cardiff report rising hare coursing: gates are being smashed, crops damaged and residents threatened. Communities now use WhatsApp alerts and physical barriers while NFU Cymru urges more reporting. South Wales Police have launched Operation Galileo Cymru and are increasing patrols with ANPR and drones, and are exploring dedicated rural crime resources to protect farms and gather intelligence.
Gates Smashed and Crops Ruined: Hare Coursing Gangs Threaten Farmers West of Cardiff
Chris Edwards has been placing barriers like this massive tree trunk in front of the entrances to his fields - in a bid to deter hare coursers. [BBC]
Farmers in the Vale of Glamorgan, west of Cardiff, say they are facing a sharp rise in hare coursing — illegal pursuits in which dogs chase hares — and that gangs roaming the countryside are smashing gates, damaging crops and intimidating residents.
Hare coursing is the pursuit of a hare with the purpose of making money through gambling [Getty Images]
Local farmers are organising via WhatsApp groups to alert one another to suspicious vehicles and people. Some have begun barricading field entrances with giant logs, concrete blocks and felled trees after chains and padlocks were repeatedly cut and gates were rammed off their hinges.
Vehicle tracks are clearly seen in this drone footage of one of Chris Edwards' fields [BBC]
Farmers Report Damage and Threats
"They're watching us — which is probably the most disconcerting part about it," said Chris Edwards, a 45-year-old beef and sheep farmer from Colwinston. "We harvest the field and within hours, they're there."
South Wales Police say they are proactively patrolling farms to reassure the farming community and deter potential hare coursers [BBC]
Edwards described vehicles forcing access, fields left with deep ruts during planting season and livestock put at risk when fences and gates are destroyed.
Union and Police Response
James Tudor of NFU Cymru warned that farmers who challenge hare coursers have faced verbal and physical threats. He said incidents include smashed vehicle windows, property damage and intimidation — adding pressure to an already strained farming sector.
Farmers have had to resort to placing concrete barriers in front of their gates [NFU Cymru]
South Wales Police say the Vale of Glamorgan has seen an increase in hare coursing and related intimidation. Insp Huw Tyler confirmed forces are stepping up proactive policing, including portable automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, drone deployment and plans to explore dedicated rural crime officers and secondments with Natural Resources Wales.
Det Con Richard Paskell, part of the neighbourhood policing team, described a shift in offender behaviour: "Where previously they might have parked and taken dogs onto land, we're now seeing gates and posts rammed, fences destroyed, crops damaged and animals let loose." Officers say they are increasing patrols in hot spots and encouraging farmers to report incidents to build intelligence.
Wider Concern and Co‑ordinated Action
Hare coursing was banned under the Hunting Act 2004, but several forces across England and Wales have warned of recent spikes, with national concerns over links to online gambling and organised crime. Welsh police and partners have formed Operation Galileo Cymru to share intelligence and co‑ordinate enforcement with farming unions and other agencies.
Police presence at agricultural events such as the Royal Welsh Show and the Vale of Glamorgan Show is being used to engage with farmers and gather information. Farming representatives say targeted patrols combined with intelligence sharing are central to reducing incidents and protecting rural livelihoods.
What farmers are doing: WhatsApp alerts, physical barriers (logs, concrete blocks), reporting to police and working with NFU Cymru. What police are doing: increased patrols, ANPR, drones, community engagement and exploring specialist rural crime resources.
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