POLICE have been taking part in an initiative aimed at reducing the number of thefts from stables and riding schools in parts of the Swale area.

Recently the area has suffered a spate in tack room break-ins in which rugs, saddles and bridles have been stolen.

Members of the Faversham Rural Neighbourhood Team have been making contact with local horse owners and issued security advice in a bid to beat the thieves.

Sgt Pete Crawley, who heads the team, stressed: “There are a number of actions horse owners can take to make life harder for the thief. There are also steps they can take to ensure they can get stolen property back if it seized by police.

“Vigilance is key in reducing equestrian crime. I would advise people to keep a notebook and pen at the yard to enable them to write down number plates of suspicious vehicles and descriptions of unknown callers.

“Other actions, such as the installation of security lighting and CCTV coupled with freeze marking or micro chipping horses, can all deter a thief.

“Second-hand tack and rugs hold their value well and are easy to sell on. To make your tack less attractive to a thief I would recommend property marking items such as saddles and painting your postcode in big letters on your horses rug.

“Neighbourhood Watch run a Horse Watch scheme and I would urge anyone with horses to become a member.”

Swale Neighbourhood Watch can be contacted freephone on 0808 100 3308.