Police spread net to catch horse thieves

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 Sussex Police's Inspector Merv Wyeth from Steyning has linked up with Sussex Horse Watch's Carol Clift to see what could be done in a bid to cut this tide of thefts and heartache for the owners of horses. Inspector Merv Wyeth managed to secure 300 of funding from Sussex Police for this initiative, and the result is a new Sussex Horse Watch website.

The aims and objectives of the Sussex Horse Watch are to prevent and reduce the incidents of equine related crimes.

The new Sussex Horse Watch website aims 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 ways to ensure they don't get an unwelcome call from the equine criminals.

The web site provides advice on cheap and simple crime prevention measures that horse and stable owners could take to protect their property and animals.

The new site is maintained by a team of five editors, both civilian and police. This will enable the work of maintaining the web site to be shared and news items can quickly be added to the site.

Full story available in the West Sussex Gazette August 18. A link to Horse Watch website is available from our homepage.