Windermere Equestrian Message Board
Post a reply - Back to Windermere Equestrian Message Board
HORSE WATCH
Submitted by JUDITH on 27/Jun/2010
86.129.94.74
Message:
POLICE in Cumbria have launched a campaign to tackle equine crime on farms and across the countryside.
Reports of rug theft, tack theft and even horse theft tend to increase in the summer months, so police want to work with equestrian centres, livery yards and horse owners to give them the tools they need to prevent them from becoming victims of crime.
By joining Horsewatch, horse owners will be entered onto a database so that they receive alerts and warnings by text and email after relevant crimes in the county. Officers also use the database to help them solve crime by appealing for information.
Members will be provided with a pack containing property marking pens to use on valuable items, and can chat to officers about how they can protect themselves from becoming a victim of crime.
PC Simon Evans, who is coordinating the scheme, said: “Horses and all of the tack and kit that go with them are extremely valuable, making them a tempting target for thieves.
“The rural location of most stable yards and fields can also make them more vulnerable, so it’s important that horse owners and rural communities work together to report suspicious activity to police so that we can act quickly.
“Horse owners can also make themselves less attractive to thieves by upping their security. Place sturdy locks on all gates, tackrooms and trailers.”
Mr Evans advised people to use mark their property with UV pens or Smartwater and display warning signs so that thieves don’t see them as an easy target.
He added: “Many criminals will scout an area first, so if you see any suspicious vehicles or activity, report it to police.
"Some criminals even make up an excuse to knock on a door or enter a yard, so note down descriptions and vehicle license plates and report these to police. By working together we can prevent equine crime in Cumbria.”
For information about Horsewatch, or to report suspicious activity, contact 0845 3300247.
Print Email Share Comments(0)
Replies to this post
No replies yet