Archive - Wednesday, 7 December 2005


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Thefts tackled by Horsewatch scheme

Wiltshire Horsewatch has had a major boost that will help crack down on the escalating number of rural thefts.

At the end of September Honda presented a police car to representatives of the equine organisation, which means they can promote themselves around the county.

The police team visits riding stables, livery yards, farms and shops, offering advice on how to outwit thieves, and nationally they aim to prevent and solve equine-related crimes.

They pass on information about stolen tack and machinery and vehicles suspected of being used in such thefts to others outside the county.

Rural officer, PC Heather Barham has been involved with Horsewatch for 14 years.

She says: "Wiltshire has been subjected to at least three thefts every month of items from stables and farms, from saddles to quad bikes. This is still taking place across the county."

The new vehicle will be used on patrol and to take to shows, and it features the Horsewatch logo the force crest emblazoned with a horse shoe.

PC Barham says they hope the public will get involved in the Horsewatch scheme in the same way they support their local Neighbourhood Watch.

"The aim of Horsewatch is to spread information to the public and get information back," she says.

"People are often afraid to ring in with a registration number, but if they see a vehicle that looks suspicious we would like to hear from them."

The Horsewatch team are trying to get as many horses freeze-branded as possible to enable them to be traced if stolen, and they hope to hold tack-marking sessions before the end of the year.

PC Barham explained: "The only way to prevent these crimes is to make it as difficult as possible for the would-be thief to gain entry to property.

"They need security devices in place, from locks to alarms and observant members of the public who will pass on vehicle numbers and descriptions to the police."

She also says it is important to mark the animals and equipment so they can be returned to the rightful owner if they are recovered.

Anyone with information about equine-related thefts should contact the police, which can be done anonymously.