DAY 83: Digging ditches on land boundaries is the favoured crime prevention measure to warn off poachers in Oxfordshire

According to farmers and landowners across the Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire, the most successful deterrent to hare coursing and poaching activity has been digging ditches on the boundaries of the fields favoured by poachers and hare coursers.

Field and land in the Ewelme Wallingford area has suffered repeated, extensive damage to crops as a result of being driven over by 4x4 vehicles overnight. Landowners and gamekeepers suspect this is related to people poaching deer.

Landowners have prevented poaches from gaining further access by blocking off gaps in hedges where signs of access can be seen.

If you have had similar problems, the Thames Valley Police farm security survey can be found on the website.

The security assessment has been put together by our crime prevention and reduction advisors and it contains low cost, practical advice around securing land and property.

Download our farm security assessment

If you see any suspicious activity or suspect poaching or hare coursing is happening on your land, report it via the 24 hour non emergency number 101 as soon as you see anything.

If you have information or intelligence you would like to share with Thames Valley Police, no matter how big or small, you can also email our rural crime intelligence desk at FIBruralcrime@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk.

DAY 76: Two men arrested under the hunting act in Hungerford

Two men have been arrested under the hunting act after being seen trespassing on private land and allegedly using dogs to kill a deer.

Officers were called at approximately 3.30pm yesterday (12/2), to reports men were trespassing in a field just off the B4000, Hungerford. Officers located the men and seized a vehicle and two dogs.

The two men, aged 33 and 23, both from Swansea, have been released on police bail until 24 March.

If you have any information which could help officers or any information or concerns about hunting or poaching, please call the 24-hour Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 101.

If you don't want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.