POLICE are cracking down on hare coursing in Oxfordshire following concerns from local people.

Officers said there had been a recent increase in complaints from landowners and farmers in Wantage about the damage hare coursing was doing to their crops and farmland.

And they said they were taking a zero tolerance approach to those taking part in the activity - making seven arrests in the past week.

Pc Steve Lynch, neighbourhood specialist officer for Wantage East, said: "It's not just the coursing that the land owners are complaining about, it's the amount of damage to fences and crops that is caused by their activities."

Pc Darren James, neighbourhood specialist officer for Wantage East, added: "Where at all possible we are arresting the people who take part in the sport.

"In the last week we have arrested seven people for these offences and enquiries continue into other incidents."

Anyone with information should call 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.