Hampshire Horsewatch news

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Latest News

21.04.04

Police are appealing for assistance with tracing the owner of two Shetland ponies found in Gore Road, New Milton on 11th April. (Update 27.04.04) The Owner has now been traced.

15.04.04

TRAILER THEFT (From Sussex Horsewatch)

There has been a worrying increase in the theft of trailers from the Farm and Countryside Watch rural area. Fifteen trailers have been stolen within the last five weeks. The thefts have occurred overnight from farms and yards with Friday being the most popular day for the thefts to have occurred. Although spread across the area there have been hotspots along the A23 corridor. Members are requested to secure their trailers overnight in a place that is not in public view. Please don't forget that the Farm and Countryside Watch offers free Smartwater Security Marking of trailers.

02.04.04

Attached is the latest ELO News from the North East Area of Hampshire Click Here 124Kb Pdf

Here is some news from Hampshire Horsewatch

Hot of the press- About 1822 02/04/04 male on a cycle seen to enter a equine yard at Holmsley Road, New Milton and cycle around down to a paddock and then back. Was approached by the owner and asked if she could help? Male ignored the informant, grinned and rode off....
Description of bike - silver, straight handle bars, old fashion style,- not a mountain bike

Male - white 5'922 - 102 silver greay hair, medium build, early 50's grey sweat shirt, jeans presumably blue....

Any sightings or suggestions as to identity please report it..........
-----------------------------------

This incident occurred at Riseley - north of Basingstoke. Report from one of our members.
I have a suspicious incident to report. At 12.30 today (28/03/04) I was putting my horse out into the field behind my house when two men came walking across the field. When they saw me I asked them what they were doing. They said that they had run out of petrol on the A33 which adjoins the field, had stopped in the layby above and walked down to see if they could find a garage. I told them where the nearest garage was - 5 miles away - and they walked back across the filed. As I thought that this was a very odd thing to have done
I walked across the garden to see where they went. I saw them get into a car parked in the lane near our house and drive off at speed. The car was a small dark dirty green Fiesta type and they were quite scruffy looking. We
have reported this matter to Thames Valley Police. Were they on the lookout for my horse or were they planning a bit of burglary?

Further to my message yesterday, we subsequently found that the two men had previously removed the lock from a secured shed next to the stable and were on their way back to steal from it.

-----------------------------------
Two separate emails received by Sussex Horsewatch

17 saddles stolen from Alfold on night of 25/26 March 2004. Including 5 stubben jumping saddles, 3 Passier dressage saddles, 2 Geo Parker GP/jumping saddles, one marked 'Sussex Horsewatch' , 1 Geo Parker dressage saddle ( suede seat/knee rolls) also marked 'Sussex Horsewatch. Reward offered
..........
On Sunday (28.4.04) a stolen range rover pulled into our yard and parked with all of our cars. A couple of people asked what they wanted and the two men (one who looked about 17) said they were 'gamekeepers'. They then proceeded to throw a brick through one of the car windows and grabbed a hand bag & sped off.
Hurstpierpoint area. Thought this info should be passed on. Beware!
..............
AND if anyone gets offered a saddle marked with the Sussex Horsewatch logo - PLEASE CHECK WITH US, unless the person selling it can pass on the owner's certificate we issue when we mark the saddles, it may well be stolen. We keep a data base of each saddle marked with a full description and the owner's name and address so we will check. If your saddle is stolen and turns up at a sale the Police will remove that saddle and check with us before it can be sold.

This burglary was on Saturday 27th March 2004

Just had a call from my friend's son who stables his horse at Loxwood. They had a very large break in last night. Nothing suspicious seen or heard. Large amount of tack taken ? 30 saddles plus all quality kieffer, stubben etc..

A full list is promised.....

-----------------------------------

THE FOLLOWING HAS BEEN REPORTED AS STOLEN From Essex
STOLEN OVERNIGHT 18 th 19th MARCH 2004, FROM MILL LANE, CLAVERING, SAFFRON WALDEN.
1- Brown Barnsby Whittaker, Close Contact Saddle, Medium Fit, Short Points Swept Back.
POST CODED CB11 4RL, MODEL NUMBER 425MK11.
1- Brown Barnsby G.P Saddle POST CODED CB11 4RL.
1- Brown Podiasky Dressage Saddle, Made By Adams Large Flat Seat, POST CODED CB11 4RL.

24.03.04

AL/004218/04

Between 14 and 18 March 5 rugs taken from insecure stable in block on a farm in Church Crookham, Hampshire.

1 Thermatex rug blue with LEH written on it in yellow with an embroidered horse head.
1 Weatherbeater Rug green with white binding.
1 Dark green horse rug with black binding and knotted strap.
1 plain blue horse rug.
Falcon rug rusty orange in colour with green binding.

Latest news - a local person has been interviewed about this theft and enquiries are on going. None of the rugs were postcoded which would have been of enormous assistance to the police officer undertaking the investigation......please, please oh please......get your property postcoded.

Eversley area

Lots of activity around the Eversley area over the last few days (during the past week as from 22/03/04) for non-dwelling breaks (garages & stores). A couple in Lower Common & another couple in Glaston Hill Road. Tools, Plant & Alcohol taken (AH/4355,4310,4351 & 4316/04 refer

Incident: 04031700613 - 17/03/04 - 14:39hrs

Gleneagles Equestrian Centre, Allington Lane, West End

Report received: ' a sus male wandering around in the fields. Male was in a white transit van reg:
P347 AJT. Van had very faint writing on the side for Eastleigh Linings.

Desc: male aged 45 years old, round face and thick set.
He was in the field by Gleneagles house and not the Equestrain Centre which is opposite.

P347AJT - Vauxhall whtie, car-derived van -

The below info has been compiled by PC Tony Bass - ELO at Whitehill

Tony says....

I have recently been doing research with DVLA re the large amount of quad bikes we have been losing and the difficulties in indentifying them when found by engine number etc.

There is a little used scheme called the off road scheme which I put to DVLA they agreed it would work for us.

When a new off road quadbike is sold the buyer completes a V55/5 form and signs a small green certificate confirming the bike will only be used off road.

DVLA then issue a standard V5 and a set of Q registered number plates.(which do not have to be affixed to the machine)This is at no cost to the owner it does not require to be taxed,insured or mot and you do not have to do annual SORN statements all in all pretty painless.

If you sell the machine you do a straight forward V5 hand over same as any vehicle.

If at any time you decide to have the machine made road legal then you have the kit fitted and the bike is already registered.under these circumstances DVLA would issue it a Q plate anyway.Only road legal quads would be issued standard number plate from new.

Benefits to Police on receiving report of theft all correct details can be obtained from the V5 and entered onto the PNC like any other stolen motor vehicle not a piece of property.

If then a bike has been recovered anywhere in the country vehicle examiners can recover either the engine number or chassis number and PNC will give the Q plate number and owners details which is the most frustrating part now, especially if all you recover is the engine number because they are not recorded.

Benefits to owner better identification for his machine more chance of it being recovered,some farmers have had 2,3 or more machines stolen insurance companies are refusing to insure them, would they view differently with this scheme in place even a small chance of giving a discount.

I have visited Rafferty Newmans and explained system to them and handed over paperwork and forms that need to be completed,they seem interested and agree with my thoughts.

Please bear in mind that farmers can do this with their existing machines if it has got chassis and engine number,it does not have to be a brand new machine.

Hope that has explained it okay

22.03.04

Crime News

AL/004218/04

Between 14 and 18 March 5 rugs taken from insecure stable in block on a farm in Church Crookham, Hampshire.

19.03.04

More Good news,

I recently circulated an e mail requesting members to be on the lookout for a woman called Laura Norris who was wanted by Thames Valley Police for offences in that police area. The offences involved fraud some of which was allegedly committed on members of the equine community.

Well good news Laura Norris has been arrested and is currently assisting the police with their enquiries. This arrest was directly the result of police and local community working together.

I know I hark on about getting to know your police and in Hampshire - your Equine Liaison Officers [ELO] - (and vice versa) because it is much easier to talk to someone you know, especially someone who can relate to your interests....well in the case of Norris she was found because the ELO and her local equine community do talk to each other and information was passed resulting in some quick work being done and Norris located.

I have heard of another horse trailer stolen in the Clanfield area...this was last week a few days before the 6 rugs were stolen............remember what I said about our trailer logo scheme.... have a look at www.nfed.co.uk/hhwlogo

Horsewatch Fluorescent Coats now available, please see the Merchandise page for further details

PLEASE BE AWARE OF THIS WARNING WE HAVE RECEIVED FROM BT REGARDING A MOBILE PHONE SCAM

There is a new kind of mobile scam. A missed call will show on your mobile phone. The number is 0709 020 3840. The last four numbers may vary, but the first four numbers will remain the same. If you call this number back, you will be charged £50.00 per minute. People have complained about their phone bills, once they have realised the cost of the call, but apparently this is completely legal. So beware, do not call back numbers beginning with 0709.
Annic Journeaux
Hampshire Horsewatch Secretary

WARNING - PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR TRAILERS. SECURITY IS THE WATCH WORD.
I can guarantee that other trailer thefts will follow.........these can be anywhere in our area. Hampshire/Sussex/Surrey/Berkshire/Wiltshire/Dorset....trailer thieves don't care where they go PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take a good look at horse trailers you see being towed. Are the trailer and towing vehicle displaying the same registration number? Is the towing vehicle appropriate? Do the occupants of the towing vehicle look like they should be in possession of the vehicles? If you are suspicious take down relevant details. I know you can't stop and check but taking registration numbers and descriptions may prove very useful to the police. Hampshire members you know how to contact us..........
AND.......if you are the victim of an equine related crime (or you have friends/family who are) please tell the Police Officer who attends/deals to make sure that he/she tells the Equine Liaison Officer in their Division. Don't be shy to ask the officer what lines of enquiry they will undertake, if necessary make suggestions, offer advice. Not all officers know the equine world and the contacts we have for circulation. Crime Investigation is a partnership between the community and the Police Service so don't be afraid to participate............

Just to prove the point (and I know it was easy for me because I am a police officer and can do certain things) here is a short story
On Monday 23rd February 2004 I saw a white transit van towing a horse trailer on the A34. The trailer had a brand new registration number on it (the trailer was old!!) The towing vehicle had a completely different registration number. All the things I tell you to look out for and be concerned about.
Long story cut short....................I had the vehicle stopped and checked out. The driver did not give a good account of himself. He assisted us with our enquiries!! The subsequent enquiries revealed that the trailer and transit were not stolen BUT the driver only had a provisional driving licence, no insurance, no VEL plus he committed other traffic offences (displaying the wrong number plate on the towed vehicle is an offence!!!!!!!!)
The driver was not allowed to continue with his journey........I could have ignored him and his trailer...but I didn't. As a result (for that moment in time) a potential danger was removed from the road. Oh yes there is a PS to the tale......in the back of the trailer was a 10 month old pony!!!! This was also taken in to protective over night custody Unfortunately we had to return the pony to the driver the next day....but it was given probably the best nights accommodation of its life........and it wasn't police cells!!!!
Just to let you know the length we will go to investigate equine offences (and in this case we considered cruelty) I called out a vet who examined the pony. On this occasion cruelty could not be established.
So if you see something you are not happy about....don't be shy take notes.....tell the Equine Liaison Officers or your Hampshire Horsewatch co ordinators
Those of you outside the County please make you own contact arrangements with your local police. However you can make contact with us in Hampshire if you can't reach anyone and we will follow things up.

Well that's all for now folks

Regards - David

David Collings
DI
Force Crime Unit &
Force Equine Liaison Officer

25.02.04

Stolen from field in West Wellow, Romsey:
Sky Blue ICON rug 5'x3" (no post code written on the rug!!!!!!!!?).
Brand new B&Q orange plastic wheelbarrow (post code?????? NO)

Owner says she thinks feed (horse nuts) also been taken - gate is padlocked
and there is a field shelter.

19.02.04

HP/1526/04

Taken from riding stables at Fareham between 14/15-Feb-04 from secured stable. Horse tack and extension Lead ( Sorry no further details of tack).

LH/2274/04

At Hedge End between 19.00 on Monday 16-Feb-04 and 12.00 Tuesday 17-Feb-04 a mauve New Zealand Rug taken from a horse in its field.

18.02.04

Stolen on the Night of Friday 13th February from Winkton/Sopley area of Christchurch.

Tack Box, containing many items including: Stuben brushes, Wahl trimmers & twitch with red handle. (ex Robinsons, but now unavailable. )

3 x skips & a well equipped first aid kit, including digital thermometers.

Probably unconnected, but found whilst searching for stolen equipment, a bin liner bag containing approx 30 – 40 medium sized (They were too big for a small animal, but not as large as a cow) kidneys &some black & white fur. Any ideas??

UPDATE: On further investigation, the bag was found to contain black & white tails which could not be identified, maybe a goat or something of that size.

Any information, please email: editor@nfed.co.uk & it will be forwarded.

12.01.04

Dear All,
If it's not too late Happy New Year..............................

Recent crime details

TACK BURGLARY

Burglary over night Friday 9th Jan 04 and Sat 10th Jan 04 at SilverHorseshoe Riding School Fordingbridge in the New Forest .

Large quantity of saddles stolen - approx 15 saddles, 3 show saddles and 30 double bridles stolen- full list to be received.

This crime has all the ingredients of what we tell you to be mindful of....!!!! It happens time and time again...

In this case, on Thursday 2 young men called into the school about 1200 and asked about riding lessons. They looked around the yard!!! They said they were from Lynwood.

Both males were white aged about 18 - 19 years.

Male 1 about 5ft 10" Thin build cropped short hair, had an earing (nk which ear), wore jeans and a sweat shirt (no colours given)

Male 2 5ft 5" short hair, jeans

Neither apparently had a local accent

What else..........who ever committed the crime used the owners wheelbarrows to assist removing the property over the fields and far way......

Once again it's worth repeating..............Beware of any stranger on your property, even if they seem like nice people (experience demonstrates that this is not always the case). If a stranger has been on your yard write down the best description of that person(s), their car etc. Put things like wheelbarrows away out of sight and preferably locked away! Why make life easy for the thief?

I will bet that those responsible will be back probably visiting a yard near you..........perhaps it might be yours..............so beware. The thieves responsible were quite happy to be out and about in the wee small hours whilst you were in bed............

Again, I put it to you to do some self policing in your area. In the past I have circulated do and dont's on this subject. I will circulate this again via www.nfed.co.uk in the very near future.

The Dorset News has been received from East Dorset Police Ringmaster service (It is possible that there could be a connection!!! .......thieves travel)

Be safe....and keep your property safe.

Regards - David

David Collings
DI

19.12.03

Hampshire Horsewatch North East Newsletter. Click Here 117Kb PDF

16.12.03

Details of a missing NF mare have been added to the Stolen Horse section.

15.12.03

Details of stolen Cob have been added to the Stolen Horse section.

08.12.03

Tack Post Coding in the New Forest

I have arranged a post coding day with the rural bus on Thursday 18th December 2003. I am visiting Norris & Sons feed merchants, Palace Lane, Beaulieu from 1030 hrs to 1300 hrs and then Woodington Feeds at Cadnam from 1330 hrs to 1600 hrs.

Alison Tilbury
Hampshire Constabulary ELO

From South Yorkshire Police

Recovered - Rice horse trailer, twin axle, green, approx 1990 manufacture. All ID has been removed. Contained fresh straw, feed net, blue box with grooming kit, bridles and bits. Also plad design horse rug, blue leg protectors and jockey skull with blue & maroon silk with white cross over stripes.
Any info please contact me on 0114 2523302

Joanne Kennedy
Equinee Liaison

01.12.03

On the evening of Friday 28 November a Landrover Discovery was stolen from Church Lane, Botley. Inside the vehicle were 2 ladies riding jackets, ladies riding boots 1 pair long and 1 pair short and one stubben saddle. Incident Reference LH/012002/03

Between the 28/29 November at a stable at Coombe Lane, Sway, Lymington persons caused damage to 2 tyres on a trailer (puntured) and cut the forelocks and manes of 2 horses. Incident number DW/013505/03

Please be aware of mane cutting incident at Nutburn Road, North Baddesley between 1530hrs 23/11/03 1530hrs 24/11/03.

LR/1192/03 refers.

15.11.03

DEFRA has launched a new set of web pages designed to be informative to the horse owner or anyone involved in the equine business/leisure world.
The web site can be found on www.defra.gov.uk/rural/horses.
Happy reading.
Regards - David
David Collings
DI

15.11.03

New Mobile Phone Legislation
Hampshire Constabulary Making Hampshire and the Isle of Wight safer

A new legislation banning the use of hand held mobile phones and messaging devices whilst driving comes into force on December 1 2003.

Who it effects:
Anyone driving a vehicle, supervising a learner driver, or who causes or permits a person to use a hand held device whilst driving will be breaking the law. (Including Employers)

Penalties:
Anyone caught will face a fixed penalty fine of £30. This will increase to a maximum fine of
£2500 pounds for bus or lorry drivers, or £1000 for any other motorist convicted at court.

What it means:
Anyone using a hand held phone, or messaging device whilst driving will be breaking the law. Hands free kits will be acceptable to use, provided the phone is not being held. However, drivers using hands free kits can still be prosecuted if the fail to maintain proper control of their vehicle whilst using the phone.

Hands Free Kits:
All hands free kits are acceptable - including wired and wireless headsets - providing the phone is not held in the hand, and requires only the touch of a button to answer a call.

999 calls
In a genuine emergency a hand held device can be used to phone for the emergency services if it is unsafe or impractical to stop driving to make the call.

Hampshire Constabulary advice:

Although the use of hands free kits are permitted under the new legislation, police would ask motorists to follow this advice:

• Never use a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving. If driving keep the phone switched off and use your voicemail/message service
• If using a hands free phone to answer a call, say you are driving, end the conversation quickly, and ring back once you have found a safe place to stop. Do not make phone calls from a hands free kit whilst driving.
• Stop in a safe place, not on a motorway or hard shoulder to use a mobile phone and pick up messages.

15.11.03

South Yorkshire Horse Watch Newsletter Click Here 153Kb PDF
South Yorkshire Horse Watch Newsletter Click Here 85Kb PDF

13.10.03

Stolen Trailer
Crime reference number JL/13872/03
Stolen from Hayling Island overnight 9th/10th November 2003
Ifor Williams Box Trailer, 2 wheeler with yellow electrical cable thereon, drop back board, serial number N201TJM
Value £1000

WARNING TO ALL OWNERS OF TRAILERS THIS IS THE SECOND TRAILER TO BE STOLEN IN THE HAVANT AREA IN AS MANY DAYS.

On the 14/15-October an Ifor williams trailer (large double axel) was stolen from Gravel Hill Waterlooville. Colour of trailer is Gold and the chassis Number is 247784

Crime Reference JW/012773/03 refers

10.11.03

South Yorkshire Horse Watch Newsletter Click Here 89Kb PDF

08.11.03

30/31-Oct-03 Damerham, Fordingbridge Power tools were taken along with :
1 Outdoor Rug
10 rhinegold stable Quilts valued at £225.

There are a few Secondhand tack sales around the county. (awaiting details of the others)
GODS (Getting Older Dressage Society - I always wondered what that meant!)
Equestrian Car Boot Sale - Sparsholt College Equine Centre 29/November 1pm - 4pm.

Second Hand sales are a good way of picking up bargins as well as a good way of disposing of stolen property. If you are going to buy check thoroughly the item. Does it have a post code? If so take a note of it. Is the item damaged? Why? Could the item have had a micro chip inside and someone has tried to remove it? Rugs are they post coded? Easy to steal, easy to sale, easy to buy........ If you feel inquisitive ...ask the seller questions about the item. Try and find details of the seller, car/van details, registration numbers. Tell the police or your Hampshire Horsewatch representative of your suspicions....but do get some details.

Enjoy the sales........but don't buy someone elses misery.

Are your rugs post coded?
Is your tack post coded?

If the answer is no................why?

FED UP WITH RIDING THROUGH TRAFFIC ON HAZELEY ROAD?

If you ride on the Hazeley road to reach bridleways to Hockley golf Course or Cheesfoot head you may be interested in an alternative route. Hazeley estates Ltd are considering creating two riding tracks providing access to these areas across farmland.

We would like to know how many people would be interested in this access which would allow riders to avoid this very busy road. An annual fee would be charged. Please would anyone interested contact us by: E-mail: Chris@Hazeley.com

POST: Chris Chapman, Hazeley Farmhouse, Twydord, Hants SO21 1QA

If there is sufficient interest we will arrange an informal meeting to discuss the proposal

Thank You

Crime News

Burglary at Damerham,30th to 31st October
Crime reference number DF/12281/03
Padlock forced from outbuilding
electrical tools stolen
10 Rhinegold stable quilts, new, still in packaging, black in colour- £125
1 Outdoor rug £100

Burglary at Fort Fareham 28th /29th October
Crime reference number HF/8833/03
Insecure barn door opened, property removed from within
1 Driving harness, leather £1000
Bright blue horse blanket £90

Burglary at Fort Fareham 28th/29th Ocotber
Crime Reference number HF/8834/03
Insecure barn door opened,property removed from within
2 leather bridles £57 and £30
1 saddle, light synthetic fabric £157

VEHICLE SEEN ACTING SUSPICIOUSLY ON 4TH NOVEMBER IN THE HYTHE AREA, SEEN TO VISIT STABLES AT 22.30 HRS, TAKING AN INTEREST IN TRAILERS AND GENERAL SECURITY OF TACK ROOM.

VEHICLE DESCRIBED AS A WHITE ESCORT VAN?
IF YOU SEE A VEHICLE MATCHING THIS DESCRIPTION IN YOUR YARD, PLEASE RING 0845 0454545 ASAP, OR 999 IF CIRCUMSTANCES DICTATE

AND FINALLY-

A MEMBER OF PUBLIC CALLED INTO LYMINGTON POLICE STATION REPORTING A VEHICLE HAVING PASSED HER IN SILVER STREET ON 31ST OCTOBER WHILST SHE WAS RIDING HER HORSE. THE DRIVER SOUNDED THE HORN AND PASSED EXTREMELY CLOSE TO THE RIDER. IT WAS POSSIBLY A RED FORD ESCORT WITH A NUMBER SIMILAR TO F???KTO.
DO YOU KNOW OR HAVE YOU SEEN THIS VEHICLE? IF SO, I WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK TO THE DRIVER. ANY INFORMATION TO WPC 102 LIZ PARSONAGE AT LYMINGTON POLICE STATION.

05.11.03

NEW DEADLINE FOR HORSE PASSPORTS

Dear All - please read the latest communication on Horse Passports" Apolgies if you are already aware of it: New Dead Line for Horse Passports

29.10.03

Reported incidents

Crime reference number LR/10786/03
Tuesday 28/10/03
Broadwood Lane, East Wellow, Romsey
Large barn/stable, occurred during daytime. Insecure premises in use at the time by several people on site. Nothing untoward seen or noted by those using the stables at the time.
3 saddles taken
1 Passale Saddle 15" Pony saddle
1 top Flight Saddle 16" Pony
1 Calat saddle 15" pony Saddle
TOTAL value £2550

28.10.03

Reported incidents

HB/008800/03
UPHAM SOUTHAMPTON

Sunday 26 October 2003 Stable broken into and various items taken including:
10 new Zeland Rugs
2 Bridles
4 Leather head collars
2 riding hats
1 pair of boots
Total value £1050

OY/011174/03
Between 26/27 October 2003
KINGSWORTHY, WINCHESTER

Shed broken into and items taken: -
1 red pony size head collar
1 red lead rope with trigger clip
1 black lead rein with hand loop, nylon
1 Lunge rein - beige cotton with leather buckle
1 Manure fork
1 shavings fork red handled Postcoded: SO237PZ
Gardening Gloves
1 cooler rug Blue/green
Total value in the region of £50

LR/0160618/03
Thursday 23 October
BRAISHFIELD, ROMSEY

Rug removed from horse whilst the horse in field.

1 rambo wug rug dark blue check
Valued at £150

24.10.03

From 15 October to present there have been 4 incidents of theft.

Wednesday 22 October
Chilworth Old Village, Chilworth, Southampton

On the evening of Wednesday 22 October at Chilworth, Southampton stables have been broken into and 4 saddles stolen. (At this present moment there are no further details of the saddles)

ALRESFORD, HANTS

6 October Alresford Hants
Item taken Full size Double Harness, black Leather with Brass Fittings, distinctive family name badges (No details at present) valued in the region of £1000.00

Suspect seen described as white male approx 55 - 60 years old, balding with light brown hair.
Crime reference OY/10832/03

TOTTON, SOUTHAMPTON

19/20 October - Cooks Lane, Calmore, Totton. Property taken a Saddle - Top flight black Leather post coded SO408JN under saddle flap. Valued at £600
Crime reference DT/11890/03

LIPHOOK, HANTS

18/19 October -Liphook Road, Passfield Liphook Hants Shed broken into and items taken:
Bridle with flash noseband and 3 ring Dutch gag.
Bridle made of fine leather, rolled noseband, loose-jointed snaffle, anti slip reins.
Bridle old style with raised stitched flash noseband and leather martingale stops on the reins. Value in the region of £450.
Crime reference OW/10887/03

If you have any information that may help with any of the above thefts please contact
0848 045 45 45 (Main switchboard and leave a message for Equine Liaison Officers)
0800 555 111 (Crime Stoppers) or Email equine@hampshire.police.uk

15.10.03

Dear All,

THIS HAS TAKEN ME A LONG TIME TO TYPE SO PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND TAKE ABOARD THE MESSAGES

The county of Surrey is experiencing a spate of Injury/Interference to Horse Incidents. These incidents have been going on over several months and is causing concern.

Derbyshire and its surrounding area have also been experiencing horse related incidents over the years. There is as far as I know nothing to connect these incidents or areas.

I recently circulated an e mail about the same subject.

This is a WAKE UP CALL to remind you that YOU cannot be complacent.

The incidents range from manes and tails being cut, unexplained cuts and injuries some around the genitalia area.

The attacks are normally carried out at night and no witnesses have come forward despite press releases.

Who commits these offences and why is open to speculation

YOU have to take charge of your animals welfare. Any suspicion that your horse has been interfered with report it. There certain measures now been put into place within the Hampshire Constabulary to try and assist the horse owner with investigations to eliminate the fear hat a crime has taken place or substantiate the fact and look to investigate. Remember not all injuries to horses are deliberately caused. Self harm and accidents do happen.

YOU and friends can get together to patrol your fields, stables. Below I have copied part of a message I circulated at the end of last year. The message, advice is still valid and as Christmas, dark evenings fast approach then thefts will occur.

In Hampshire we have the occasional horse injury related incident. The latest was in the Alton area reported on 5/10/03 where a horse had its mane and tail seemingly cut and received an injury to its eye. Enquiries are still in hand re this and we are keeping an open mind as to the causes BUT the incidents in Surrey must not be ignored.

Is your equine property uniquely identifiable with a post code, at the very least? IF NOT WHY NOT? On the web site there is a list of where tack marking kits are available to be borrowed. Follow the old army motto if it stands still paint it, (in your case mark it - with tack marking kit, paint your post code on your rugs....just do something to mark your property....) if it moves then you will probably - no almost definitely it wave it good bye, cos the thief will take it and with no marking it won't be identified and you won't see it again).

The Petersfield area is very good. Equine owners are getting their property post coded in droves. Sadly this is not mirrored elsewhere.

People who commit offences are able to travel and do so freely. I repeatedly say that communication is not always our strongest point. Don't expect that everyone knows everything all the time. That means YOU as well as ME/US. We try to inform and share information as quickly as we can. But remember Hampshire Horsewatch committee members, co coordinators and the Equine Liaison Officers volunteer to undertake their role so delays may occur.