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Warning to horse owners over suspicious incidents
Jun 12, 2008
POLICE are urging horse owners to be on their guard against thieves following a string of suspicious incidents stretching from the south coast up to the Scottish borders.
Concerns have been raised that would-be thieves are building up a dossier of photographs of particular animals which could later be stolen to order.
At Stainton, near Barnard Castle, reports were made about the activities of two men taking pictures of horses in a field close to the village.
These men have also been seen in the Hamsterley area.
Similar reports have been made recently to police in North Yorkshire, Northumberland and Cleveland.
DC Fiona Laws said in the County Durham incidents, the men, who appeared to be eastern European, were driving a white van and a red 4x4.
She added: "This is consistent with other reports throughout the country.
"In fact there have been reports about similar activities from Devon up to Northumbria.
"In each case people have been seen photographing selected animals - thoroughbreds and show jumpers.
"We have had no thefts reported to us, although we are aware that a mare and her foal were taken in the Brompton-on-Swale area of North Yorkshire."
DC Laws said the alert has gone out to the 400 members of the Wear and Tees Farmwatch and Horse Watch group who work throughout the two dales.
Their liaison officer, Neil Rewcastle, said: "It would be better if the horses are stabled overnight but we know in many cases this is not possible.
"If owners are leaving their horses out in the field we would ask them to take as many security precautions as possible to keep them safe.
"Ensure the animals are micro-chipped or freeze branded; make sure gates and fences are secure and are checked regularly for damage."
Police are keen to hear about any suspicious activity - particularly of people taking photographs.
DC Laws added: "What we need are descriptions of the people involved and the registration numbers of the vehicles they are using, but in no way do we want people to put themselves at risk to do this."
Anyone who can help is asked to ring 0845 6060 365 for the attention of DC Laws at Barnard Castle police Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.