WARNING: Horse Thieves About

[abi]

hes been seen at a yard in Irby, Cottagers Plot riding school in Laceby, and about two weekends ago at kenwick park, Louth.

i was at kenwick park two weekends ago with a coloured cob. oh s*it.

have been told to padlock both sides of your gate if possible, so they dont just take it off its hinges

will update on his vehicle later x

[maximum]

If the thiefs are really determined then it is hard to stop them however there are a number of precautions which can be taken to make their life as difficult as possible.

freezemark your horse, as a visual deterent there is nothing better.

if your horse is rugged then paint your postcode on the rugs in large letters.

as stated about chain and padlock your gates on both sides, use good heavy duty chain and locks.

If you have your horse stabled then use the same precautions but it is not safe to padlock a stable incase of fire so lock the access gates.

If at all possible make it difficult for vehicles to get too close to your field ( large rocks etc). if there is only one way in and out it makes it harder for the theives to bring a trailer along.

buy a couple of geese. they are excellent guards and not only will they attack ( sorry maybe you!) but will make a heck of a noise when disturbed.

microchips with gps will help you find the horse should the worst happen

vary your routine as much as possible. While we all know the routine of the horse is important anyone watching will make note of times the field/yard is unattended so lots of extra visits of you cant manage then ask someone else to pop in.

Sensor lights if possible but these are only effective if someone is nearby to check the reason for them to have been activated.

[maximum]

it appears from reading this weeks horse and hound an awful lot of this is chinese whispers as the police in all the areas say they have had NO reports of stolen horses. this includes
the nine from Cannock and 5 from Lichfield, the three from Lower Rainham and 14 from Nottinghamshire.

seems unlikely that the owners would not inform the police.

[haffyfan]

Maxie Thanks for that update..I had wondered about the NOtts ones as I had not heard anything and although I work in sheff my OH works locally etc. However I do still think someone tried to steal my two a while back and anyone who knows where they live would agree the people had some balls as how they were not seen/heard is a real mystery as they really do live in, compared to a lot of equines, a very secure/guarded spot.

[Blonde Donkey]

a mate of mine was telling me that 20 horses had been stolen from york but nothing was in the papers and mum rang york police to check and nothing had been reported
it isn't a reason to not be vigilant but i think someone somewhere has had genuine sighting send a text to friends and has it has all gotten a bit out of control

[Becca]

Jun 11, 2008 14:44:31 GMT brigadier said:

Just an update- there are three vehicles involved, the white ford van is a minibus type,
the red lancruiser is an estate and there is a white long wheel base flat back lorry with drop down sides.

Horses have been stolen from Morley in Leeds, queensbury in Bradford, Richmond and Masham in North Yorks. they take photos and steal to order.

Brig about the minibus i put a post up (can't find it right now) but a guy on another forum said he is a photographer and drives the minibus with the listed number plate, he has spoken to police and they think his number plate has been duplicated.

I really hope this is all chinese whispers, but it will make people more aware on security on their yards so might help prevent theft in the future

[brigadier]

Please listen- In yorkshire this is not scaremongering- horses HAVE been stolen! There's bound to be some false stories and chinese whispers but police ARE looking for the vehicles and they are stealing to order! Becca you are spot on about the van. Please be vigilant!

Brig

[FirenLady]

People are such rotters. No consideration for other peoples feelings. My Dad when he wants to protect something uses a booby trap, its a piece of fishing line with a blank cartridge shell in it and makes a massive bang when someone walks through it. It would stick the wind up any burglars (its awful walking through them) and may scare your horses enough that they won't be caught, As well as alerting you. Dunno if it works in practice, but just a thought...

[fimacg]

I read the new rider thread posted earlier in this link which stated 2 horses were stolen from Outlane near Huddersfield, that is less than a mile from my old livery yard. I have checked with my friends and it is true that horses have been stolen from there. People have been spotted taking photos of the horses at my old yard (funnily enough that is where Lady is at the moment having been sent back) and another just down the road where another of my friends keeps her horse. My old yard has people on site 24 hours a day but my other friend is paranoid about her horse going.

[lucinda]

Jun 13, 2008 13:08:02 GMT brigadier said:

Please listen- In yorkshire this is not scaremongering- horses HAVE been stolen! There's bound to be some false stories and chinese whispers but police ARE looking for the vehicles and they are stealing to order! Becca you are spot on about the van. Please be vigilant!

Brig

My thoughts as well Brig... I do believe we should keep up this reporting..WE HAVE THE TOOL TO SPREAD THE WORD ON INFO REGARDING HORSE THEFTS ETC.
So lets use it guys...
Like I have said before.. Its too late when they are gone.
The thefts I have reported on this forum have been documented in the local press with police statements.

Luc x

[mariedigit]

just to let you all know that 2 horses were taken the other day from some where in somerset!!! sorry i don't know the details. but we were cased (well thats what the police said) last week, we had 2 car's drive down are drive 1) been a red renualt R reg 2) been a black freelander 02 reg!!! so just keep your eye's open my southern friends!!!