Hundreds of hare coursing and animal poaching incidents have been reported to police in the last three years, figures have revealed.

And farmers are facing a dangerous battle as some approach or confront perpetrators who trespass on their property to capture the animals.

In 2015 police received 214 reports of poaching and 45 reports of hare coursing with Shepway and Ashford coming out on top as the worst areas.

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In 2016 there were 243 cases of poaching animals such as rabbits, fish fowl and game, and 48 instances of hare coursing.

Although the numbers for the whole of 2017 were not available at the time of writing it has been revealed up to November 30 there were 221 complaints of poaching and 43 of coursing.

Kent adviser for the National Farmers' Union, Amanda Corp, said: "This year, because of the early harvest that's definitely meant that there's been an earlier bout of poaching and it's increasing.

"Obviously damage that's caused by people driving on to farmer's land and smashing through gates and crops.

"It's not nice for the farmers and it's not nice for the community around the farm."

The details were revealed after a Freedom of Information request from KMTV.

When the figures are combined Ashford and Shepway were the two areas to come out at the worst for the crime.

WATCH: Farmers say poaching is on the rise

Inspector Dave Smith, of Kent Police's Rural Task Force, said: "Poaching and hare coursing are illegal activities that often cause unnecessary suffering to animals and are becoming increasingly associated with organised crime.

"We take such incidents seriously and have a dedicated team of officers who are focused on identifying those responsible and bringing them to justice.

"In addition to carrying out regular patrols of affected areas, we also work hard to build trust and confidence within rural communities and liaise closely with partners including the RSPCA, Natural England and the National Farmers' Union.

"Not only does poaching and hare coursing result in distress for the communities affected, but it can also often lead to great financial loss for landowners, farmers and gamekeepers.

"We believe these offences remain under-reported and would urge anyone who sees anything suspicious to report it to us by calling 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress.

"Signs to look out for include vehicles parked on verges, in lay-bys or on bridleways, damage to gates and boundaries around land, or lines of people walking through fields with dogs."