Policing of Hunting in Warwickshire Set to Improve, Says PCC Amid Concerns

Warwickshire: Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe is optimistic about enhancing the police’s approach to hunting. He acknowledges some concerns about a recent review being a bit “woolly,” but he believes improvements are on the way.

Seccombe had an independent review done to look into how the police handle trail hunting and related road issues. Last year, the police tried to implement a community protection notice to manage how the Warwickshire Hunt and their hounds crossed roads. This wasn’t about targeting illegal fox hunting, which is banned, but rather about managing legal trail hunting.

However, the notice was dropped, leading to some confusion and accusations of bias against the police. The review pointed out some flaws but cleared Seccombe of any wrongdoing. The main issue was how the police communicated their actions to the public and among themselves.

Some local councillors expressed concern that the review didn’t fully capture the voices of those affected by anti-social behavior. They felt the report was too vague and didn’t address the real issues people face. Seccombe acknowledged these concerns and emphasized the need to balance various police priorities, including road safety.

He reassured everyone that the police would follow through on the review’s recommendations. There’s a commitment to track progress and ensure that the issues are taken seriously. The aim is to improve the policing of anti-social behavior related to hunting, and Seccombe is determined to make that happen.

The panel agreed to review the progress on these recommendations annually, starting in June 2025. It’s a step forward, and Seccombe is hopeful that with more engagement and understanding, the situation will get better for everyone involved.