Farmers' Gates Smashed and Crops Damaged Amid Gang Threats Over Hare Hunting

Farmers across several rural districts have begun reinforcing the perimeters of their fields in response to a recent surge in unauthorized access. According to local agricultural cooperatives, the measures include placing concrete blocks and arranging fallen trees at entry points to deter intruders and protect crops from damage.

The practice has been adopted primarily in areas where incidents of livestock theft, illegal grazing and vandalism have risen over the past six months. Officials from the regional Department of Agriculture reported that the improvised barriers are intended to complement existing security efforts, such as patrols and surveillance cameras, while providing a low‑cost, quickly deployable solution for landowners. The concrete blocks and fallen trees are readily available on farms, allowing owners to erect temporary fortifications without significant expense.

Authorities are monitoring the situation to assess the effectiveness of these barriers and to ensure they do not impede emergency access or wildlife movement. Agricultural extension services continue to advise farmers on best practices for field protection, emphasizing coordination with local law‑enforcement agencies to address the underlying causes of the incursions.