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The information contained in this section has been compiled from police reports or other sources. The information may be specific or generalised. It is circulated in order to advise, warn and seek the help of the communities. |
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Welcome to Hampshire Horsewatch Hampshire Horsewatch was set up in September 2000 to work in partnership with Hampshire Constabulary to prevent and reduce equine related crime. Hampshire Horsewatch is part of the national Horsewatch Scheme. The success of any Horsewatch Scheme revolves around the dedication of its members. Their commitment to their animals provides a basis on which to build a range of measures which can help to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime. In many cases, dedication alone will not be sufficient. A range of proven security measures have therefore been developed to help support the horse owner and prevent the theft of horses and tack. The following information gives general guidance on a whole range of security measures covering horses, tack, trailers, horseboxes and stables |
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Crime prevention measures which you can take yourself HORSE PASSPORT Take colour photographs of your animal in summer and winter. Ensure that it is standing correctly as shown in the horse passport. Take photographs from the side as well as the front and behind. If the animal has a peculiar mark or scar photograph that as well and make sure you can identify where on the animal the mark or scar is. |
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Have several prints ready so that you can circulate them quickly if your animal is stolen. Keep the negatives safe. Ensure you complete the horse passport as soon as possible. Ensure that any marks, whorls etc are shown. it in doubt have the drawing completed by a veterinary surgeon. | ||
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Have your animal security marked. Experience has proven that marking your animal, as well as your tack, does deter thieves. Ensure that you check your animal at least twice daily and vary your times. Do not set up a pattern for the thief to use to their advantage. If your animals are grass kept do not leave a headcollar or a lead rope dangling at the gate because this could help the thief take your horse. Present recognised methods of security marking for equines are:
FREEZE BRANDING: This is humanely done by freeze marking a number on the horses body (usually on the saddle patch) with chilled irons. If the company’s instructions are followed it leaves a unique number for life. Records of freeze marked animals are kept and registration papers are issued to owners. HOOF BRANDING: This involves having your post code branded on your animal’s hooves you purchase the branding irons and have your farrier apply the brand. It requires periodic renewal as the hoof grows. MICRO-CHIP IMPLANT: This is implanted in the animal’s neck. The RSPCA and certain other organisatlons have transceivers which can detect the signal from the microchip if the horse is stolen. |
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All saddlery should be security marked. You can have your tack post coded which is done with a metal punch or an engraving tool. It is not advisable to stamp your code on reins and thin bits of leather. Your post code can be engraved on a stirrup bar of your saddle. Do not be tempted to engrave your post code on any bits - this could leave you with an animal with a sore mouth and a vet’s bill! Property marking equipment may be available from your Regional/Local Hampshire Horsewatch Co-ordinator or your Police Equine Liason Officer. Also photograph your saddlery especially if it is unusual. This is a valuable aid towards the detection of stolen goods. Ensure you have a comprehensive list of all your tack. Please make sure you complete all the necessary details on the identification as it is very difficult to trace stolen tack without knowing the saddle’s make or identifying number. Click here for your nearest tack marking set |
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 1: Wheel Clamp 2: Hitchlock with chain 3: Car Alarm |
As with other equipment photograph your horse box / trailer. Ensure it is immobilised when parked, but that it can be brought into use quickly in the event of an emergency. Use wheel clamps, hitch locks, car alarms/immobilisers. Consider having your trailer security marked with your post code. Personalise your vehicle(s). Park them where you can see them, preferably in an area which is lit up at night or has intruder security lighting. Thefts of horse boxes and trailers have presented more of a problem over the past few years but with modern security devices fitted they are certainty a lot harder for the thief to steal. |
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| STABLES / PADDOCKS | |||
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Contact your area’s Crime Reduction Officer who will be able to give you free professional advice on all aspects of building security. Consider installing burglar alarms and security lighting. Do not mark which door is the entrance to the tack room - don’t make it easy for the the thief. Openly display signs and advertise that all your property has been security marked. Secure all doors with substantial padlocks (never padlock a stable door if an animal is in the stable). Gates should also be secured with padlocks and should also have hinges fitted so that the gate cannot be lifted off. | ||
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Ensure that your fences and hedges are in a good state of repair and do not provide easy access for the thief. Have a look around your premises and ask yourself if it could be made more secure. When your animal/tack has been security marked you should display signs on fences to show that this has been done to help deter potential thieves.
If you see anything suspicious report it to the police. In an emergency always dial 999. |
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1. Security Lighting & Burglar Alarm
2. Gates should be padlocked 3. Secure doors wfth padlocks 4. Display signs that show your property is marked |
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Always leave a copy of your route at the stables or with a friend and keep to it. Leave a note of your time of departure and approximate time of return, even when out on exercise. If possible take a mobile phone with you and ensure that the stable has your number. Always wear high visibility/fluorescent clothing and try and always ride with someone else. Take extra care when riding through wooded areas. Please stress to your children not to speak to strangers. Do not ride after dark unless it is absolutely necessary. Carry a torch in addition to your safety equipment. Report all accidents to a responsible adult. |
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If you are unfortunate enough to be the victim of a crime, report it to the police as soon as possible. If your horse or pony has been stolen advertise his/her description (including photographs) in the local press and radio. Contact your Hampshire Horsewatch Local Co-ordinator to ensure the information is passed throughout the county and into neighbouring counties by the Horsewatch Committee. Also contact the national equine press e.g. Horse and Hound and organisations such as the International League for the Protection of Horses - they will be able to help you with the location of markets etc. Visit as many venues as you can, enlisting the help of friends when possible. Further advice on all aspects of crime prevention can be obtained free of charge from your area’s Crime Reduction Officer who can be contacted through your local police station. If you have any information about crime but do not want to identify yourself call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 - you may earn yourself a cash reward. |
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The issue of Horses Stolen whilst out on Loan or otherwise is always a difficult and thorny problem when it comes to recovery of the horse. In many cases there is the owner and original loser and the person in current possession. Who is the legal owner? At present there is an investigation within Hampshire concerning an alleged stolen horse and the issue of ownership is a topic of conversation. As part of openness between us all I am copying information I have circulated amongst my Equine Liaison Officers. Names have been changed for confidentiality. In respect of the ownership of the horse I hope that what follows will assist in explaining ownership of property stolen but recovered in the hands of an innocent party. The relevant authority on this subject is National Employers Mutual General Insurance Association Ltd v Jones 1988. "Innocent buyer of stolen car ( read horse) does not obtain good title as against owner" In simple terms the original loser of property (horse) does not lose title of ownership The owner (loser) does not pass on title of the property. A thief can only pass on a no title to the property as will any other handlers of the property. Plus that when the person in innocent possession of stolen property is made aware of the fact, he/she cannot dispose of it. In Mr X's case he is still the lawful owner, Mr Y who bought the horse isn't. His claim for compensation is from the person who stole/sold him the horse. Remember that technically the horse is evidence and that it has to be proved it is Mr X's horse! We could seize the evidence providing that it is proved to be the stolen horse and return it to the loser with the proviso from Mr X that he does not dispose of the horse pending criminal investigation. We, the police, do not want to be seizing a horse and have to end up looking after it!!! Section 6.3 and 6.6 Code B of PACE refers and does give us powers of seizure if necessary. What is not advocated is Mr X going onto Mr Y's property without permission and removing the horse. The matter needs to be sorted amicably. Mr X should seek legal advice for his own protection. He may find a direct approach to Mr Y to recover the horse an uncomplicated affair without the need for solicitors. The simplest way forward is Mr Y agrees to hand over the horse to Mr Y and seek compensation from the thief. We progress the investigation ensuring that evidence is secured and proper case made out. The above is a very simplistic example and I accept there can be variations and complications to every case I hope all is clear. Any problems then feel free to communicate on equine@hampshire.pnn.police.uk |
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Hampshire Horsewatch Summary You must realise with regular thefts of horses and the disturbing attacks made on equines there is the need to protect your animals and property by being more aware of what is happening in your area. You can help Hampshire Horsewatch to help you by informing your local Co-ordinator and/or Police Equine Liaison Officer of anything suspicious. Click Here for a list of local co-ordinators or select your region from the list below.
Or you can find out who your Regional/Local Horsewatch Coordinators and Police Equine Liaison Officer’s are by phoning 0845 045 45 45 and ask to speak to the Crime Information and Management Unit in your area or visit the Hampshire Constabulary web site www.hampshire.police.uk There is no membership fee for joining but a donation to Hampshire Horsewatch to assist with administration costs would be welcome (cheques made payable to Hampshire Horsewatch). Click Here to submit your membership Online |
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