"Specialist" thieves target stables and other rural premises where they know security might not be so tight and where it is less likely that someone will be around.

They know that there is a strong possibility that what they steal cannot be personalised by the real owner.

As a response to this problem Hampshire Constabulary is spearheading a Hampshire Horsewatch scheme in a bid to cut this tide of thefts and heartache for the owners of horses.

The scheme's aim is to offer advice and guidance to all those involved in equestrian pursuits - no matter how large or small their roles might be - on the best was to ensure they don't get an unwelcome call from the equine criminals and how best to protect their equine property.

This official Hampshire Horsewatch Website which is part of the NFED, provides advice on cheap and simple crime prevention measures that horse and stable owners could take to protect their property.

Hampshire Horsewatch is managed by a committee of volunteers and works in partnership with Hampshire Constabulary. The direct link with Hampshire Constabulary is through a scheme created called Equine Liaison Officers. These officers are drawn from police officers and police staff who have a direct interest in horses and who can relate to the needs and requirements of the equine community. All the officers undertake the role on a voluntary basis and their involvement is in addition to the regular duties.

Until his retirement in April 2009 DI David Collings undertook, in a voluntary role, the responsibility of Force Equine Liaison Officer. In retirement he is continuing with this role, again in a voluntary capacity. He has also taken on the role of Hampshire Horsewatch co ordinator, which is also a voluntary role.

The operative word within the title of Equine Liaison Officer is "liaison". These officers will in the main liaise between colleagues and the equine community. If their duties and designated roles permit they may become involved in equine investigations.

The principle aims and objectives of the Hampshire Horsewatch are to prevent and reduce the incidents of Equine related crimes.

Additionally members of the Horsewatch will strive to improve on the awareness of crime issues in conjunction with the Hampshire Constabulary.

The Hampshire Horsewatch is a member of the National Horse Watch Scheme, known as UK Horsewatch Alliance, covering the majority of counties in England, Wales and Scotland. The Alliance web site is www.ukhorsewatch.org.uk

The Hampshire Horse Watch is within the South East Region of the Alliance set up, following the national police regions. The South East region consists of Surrey, Essex, Kent, Hertfordshire, Sussex, Bedfordshire, Thames Valley, Hampshire.
The Hampshire Horsewatch is two tiered at county level and local level.

At County level the Hampshire Horsewatch consists of a Committee which includes a Chairperson, vice Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary and Media officer, Web site manager. Additionally Regional co ordinators and Equine Liaison Officers can attend Committee meetings.

At local level, directly beneath the County structure, Hampshire Horsewatch is arranged into five Regions. Local Horsewatch schemes are organised by local communities under the support and help from Regional and Local co-ordinators.