POLICE are on the lookout for a group of "unscrupulous" poachers who destroyed a crop of growing wheat in a field near Basingstoke.
The incident took place between 4pm on Thursday 10 November and 9am on Saturday 12 November in a field near Farleigh Wallop.
A growing crop of wheat was damaged.
Police believe the damage was caused by poachers looking for hares, game or deer.
A spokesperson said: "We are aware that a vehicle has been driven all across the wheat field and suspect that those involved were poaching by way of looking for hares, game or deer.
"This is yet again a further example of wanton criminal damage being caused by unscrupulous people looking to kill, injure or simply take our wildlife."
Security in the area has been stepped up following the incident.
Police are also appealing for anyone in the area of Foxall Cottages at Farleigh Wallop between these times and may have seen any suspicious vehicles or movement within the fields to call 101 or crime stoppers on 0800.555111 and quote crime reference number 44160436877.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here