Top tips to avoid being a victim of equine crime

Operation Gallop is a partnership of police forces and relevant organisations from the equine and rural sectors. The members of the group come together to share best practice in tackling equine-related crime which can range from theft of horses and tack to the welfare issues presented by fly grazing or illegal trotting races. The partnership also has responsibility for equine crime prevention and tackling road safety issues.

Last week, Operation Gallop took further steps to combat equine crime as police forces involved in the initiative carried out crime prevention activities tailored for equine businesses and owners. They conducted yard visits to offer advice on avoiding crime, organised tack marking sessions, and promoted safe practices for overtaking horses on the road.

Following on from this operation, it’s important that equine businesses take note of the following advice to help reduce the risk of being a victim of crime.

All items of tack and equipment should be photographed in good light from a variety of angles so that you have a visual record to share with the police if the worst does happen. It’s also good practice to download the equine property forms from the Operation Gallop website which can be completed with all salient details about your tack and property, including distinctive features, size and any damage that is unique to that piece of equipment.

In addition, tack should be marked with your postcode – on a saddle this should be done on the reverse of the saddle flap, the stirrup bar and underneath the saddle flap. Bridles can be marked on the browband and cheekpiece.

Trailers and lorries should be immobilised when not in use with a wheel clamp or tow hitch lock. You can also have your trailer roof marked with your postcode, which acts as a deterrent, but also makes them easier to detect if stolen. Trailers should ideally be kept in an area where you can see them, preferably in an area that is well lit or has intruder lighting. Like your tack and other valuable equipment, the trailer or lorry should be photographed and all relevant details recorded on a property form.

It's a legal requirement for horses and ponies to be microchipped and to have a passport. A microchip can help reunite you with your horse should it be stolen. You can also consider freeze branding or having your postcode stamped on a hoof. These act as visible deterrents to anyone thinking of stealing your horse. You should also take a series of photographs from different angles making sure that you have a set taken in the summer and a set taken in the winter as horses can look very different without their thick winter coat. It is also wise to photocopy the original horse passport so that if the document is lost or stolen you can contact the society who issued it to secure a replacement.

Finally, look at how you can improve security at your yard. Consider whether you can install burglar alarms, CCTV or security lighting, and all doors should be secured with substantial padlocks or deadbolts. Gate hinges should be fitted so the gate cannot be lifted off and it’s also wise to consider locking the gates for added peace of mind. Make it harder for thieves by not having a door sign saying ‘tack room’ and don’t leave headcollars hanging on the field gate as this only makes it easier for a thief to lead your horse away.

By taking some simple steps now, you can ensure that you minimize the chance of your business being targeted, If thieves do strike, taking these steps can maximise your chances of being reunited with your horse or your valuable tack and equipment.