"SUSPICIOUS vehicles" and threats have accompanied the early opening of the hare coursing season.

Police have already been receiving reports of the crime, particularly in North Hampshire. 

The hare coursing season in the UK usually begins in late August or early September, lasting until March.

Cars suspected to be involved in coursing have been spotted on farmland including Kingsclere, Hannington, and Herriard.

READ MORE: Hare coursing suspects flip car while fleeing Winchester police

The hare coursing season usually begins in late August (Image: Gov.uk)

During one incident in Kingsclere on July 5, a farmer was threatened with a catapult, and an incident in Herriard reported on 9 July saw an offending vehicle narrowly avoid colliding with a victim’s dog.

This vehicle was later located and seized by police in Liphook, and a Lurcher dog was seized by police in Herriard.

Coursing not only involves the poaching of hares, but often sees significant damage caused to the farmland by individuals and vehicles trespassing, in addition to intimidation and threats of violence towards landowners.

SEE MORE: Five men sentenced for hare coursing in Itchen Abbas

Police anticipate further incidents elsewhere in the county, and are urging people to report coursing and any associated damage.

If people witness the crime in progress, they should call 999, quoting Operation Galileo.

Members of the public should never approach the individuals involved in this type of crime, say police.