More equestrian equipment stolen in North Yorkshire as police step up campaign

Police have issued a warning to horse owners about a recent spate of thefts in North Yorkshire
Police have issued a warning to horse owners about a recent spate of thefts in North Yorkshire

Police are continuing to urge horse owners to take immediate precautions to secure their tack, after a further theft in North Yorkshire.

Sometime overnight between 9pm on Sunday 16 October and 7am the following day, three properties were broken into on Main Street and Back Lane, Alne, near Easingwold, and horse tack and power tools stolen.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious or has any information that could assist police with the investigation should dial 101 and quote reference number 12160188664.

In the previous few weeks, a number of equestrian items have been stolen from premises in North Yorkshire - including saddles, girths, bridles, breastplates and numnahs - particularly in the southern area of the borough of Harrogate.

On Saturday 17 September, a large amount of tack was stolen from a tack room near Little Ribston.

Overnight on 21/22 September, outbuildings near Kirkby Overblow were targeted, and a number of items, including tack, were stolen.

Overnight on 27/28 September, stables near Tockwith were targeted, and small items stolen. The same night, stables near Askham Richard were broken into, with damage caused and a generator stolen.

On Monday 10 October, two saddles were taken in a burglary at North Deighton.

Serial numbers and registered properties

PC David Mackay, of North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Taskforce, said: “In light of these incidents, I am urging horse owners to take immediate steps to ensure tack is protected from thieves.

“Make sure you have a record of any serial numbers, register your property, and be vigilant – report any suspicious activity to the police.

“If someone offers you second-hand tack for sale, and it seems too good to be true, consider that you might be buying stolen property. Check serial numbers, and if in doubt, ask the person for proof of ownership.”

PC Hannah McPeake, who co-ordinates the Horsewatch scheme, said: “Preventing crime and deterring criminals is very important, and we are encouraging all equestrian businesses and horse owners to check their yard security and think carefully about how to protect their property.”