Warning over horse thefts

Two grey horses in the Patching area, near Worthing, at different establishments, have recently been found to have a small narrow plait of three strands under their manes.

Mrs Elizabeth Thompson said: "Both were young grey horses that were turned out in fields near their stables. They had the same plaits, with a strand across which made the plaits lie down under the manes. These plaits are known to mark out horses and ponies for future thefts.

"Horse owners should be on their guard and keep a close watch on their equines, bringing them in at night and checking for these plaits.

"My farrier has told me that horses are marked and stolen to order and shipped immediately to Ireland and then on to America. Micro chips and freezemarks are absolutely no deterrent because within three days the horses are on their way to the USA."

Police have confirmed that there have been organised thefts of this kind all over the south, from Tideford in Cornwall across to Essex, both last year, and a number already this year.

A police spokesman said: "They peak during summer months when horses are turned out to graze. Those that are left out overnight are particularly vulnerable, but some thefts have taken place in daytime.

"Owners should be on their guard if any strange vehicles or people are seen in the area, parked or loitering near to their horses. They should take registration numbers. It is very important to be extra vigilant because this appears to be a highly professional organisation operating throughout the country."

Horse Watch South West (HWSW) has warned that even isolated and difficult to find locations of horses can be discovered by thieves using websites that show photographs of horses in fields with their exact grid reference location, as well as houses and properties clearly shown.

These sites intend to give general photos of areas throughout the country, listing their OS map locations.

The WSG briefly checked one such site and found a number of identifiable locations with horses in West Sussex.

HWSW said: "If you are concerned, you can complain to the website or the ISP to have your images removed. The photos are hard to act on, but if somebody has been on your property to take images that may be a good lever."