MEMBERS of Cheshire Police's Rural Crime Team have been cracking down on hare coursing along the county's Shropshire border.

As part of Operation Galileo, members of the policing team visited Marbury, Wrenbury and Cholmondeley to tackle hare coursing and other rural and wildlife crimes.

PC Ashley Tether said the operation was a good opportunity to engage with residents and listen to their concerns.

He said: "Myself and PC Sarah Marson are working on Operation Galileo.

"This is a national operation to target illegal hare coursing and secure successful prosecutions, working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service.

"We will be running Operation Galileo during the months normally associated with illegal hare coursing.

"We have been checking areas where this activity occurs.

"During this operation, we will also be addressing other aspects of wildlife crime and rural crime."

PC Tether added: "I joined PC Marson, and patrolled around the villages of Wrenbury, Cholmondeley and Marbury.

"It was a great opportunity to engage with local residents, many of whom were doing last minute gardening work while the weather is still dry and warm.

"This provided a great opportunity to discuss any rural issues and provide reassurance to the communities of Cheshire."