Thieves have stolen more than £80,000 worth of horse tack in the past year alone by targeting stables across Shropshire, police revealed today.
In just three months at the start of the year, 32 tack thefts were reported to police, and equipment has only been recovered on one occasion. Police are today urging horse and stable owners to be on their guard.
They have announced plans for a special awareness event to help combat the increasing problem.
Telford crime risk officer Constable Fred Jones said: “We have noticed an increasing trend in this type of burglary since the turn of the year and would like to make the public aware they should to be on their guard.
“Between January 1 and March 3, 32 tack thefts were reported across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.
“This compares with a total of 21 incidents between April 1 and December 31 last year and demonstrates a worrying growth in this type of offence.
“More than £80,000 of equipment has been stolen across the two areas during the past 12 months and on only one occasion has equipment been recovered in relation to an offence.
“We would encourage people to always ensure their property is secure when they leave it for any period of time and that they never leave doors or windows open or unlocked.
“We would like to warn people against buying riding equipment from someone they do not know or from anyone who is unable to prove where the equipment came from.”
The awareness day is being held at Telford Saddlery and Equine Supplies, Long Lane, on June 7, between 11am and 3pm.
David Wall, from the Safer & Stronger Communities Partnership, said: “This type of crime is not new and previous experience has shown initiatives such as marking tack has a positive impact on reducing thefts.”
The event will feature anti-theft products and 50 forensic marking kits will be given away free to the public.
In March, more than £1,000 worth of horse riding equipment was taken from a locked outhouse at Exfords Green, near Shrewsbury, and in February, burglars stole horse riding equipment worth more than £5,000 from an outbuilding in Marsh Green, Wellington.
By Lizzie Yates
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