Hare coursers caught by police have had their car and four dogs seized.

North Cotswolds neigbourhood police team and Thames Valley Police stopped the offenders near Stow-on-the-Wold last night (Thursday).

Cotswolds Police tweeted: "North Cotswolds NPT assisted by TVP have stopped hare coursers outside of Stow.

"The vehicle and four dogs have been seized and the males will be walking home!"

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

Throughout this week Gloucestershire Police have been targeting issues which affect rural communities including hare coursing and fly-tipping as well as the theft of fuel, machinery and livestock.

Ahead of Rural Crime Week Martin Surl, Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire, said: “Fighting rural crime remains an important part of my refreshed Police and Crime Plan because I understand how rural communities suffer from being targeted by organised gangs and how difficult it can be for the police to tackle it in widespread areas where resources are less concentrated.

“Criminals know no borders so it is essential that we work with others to look at the wider picture, including the local residents who can do so much to help prevent and detect."

READ MORE: Gloucestershire Police begin a week of action aimed at combatting rural crime