With thanks to Lisa Tattersall-Randle for the regular updates for this page
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HOW NW Incidents at premises in Stonebridge Road, Coleshill & Banbury Road, Southam Plus Hampshire & Suffolk bulletins

Please be aware of the following equine related incidents which have occurred in Warwickshire over recent days.

Incident 41 of 31 January
During the night of 30 into 31 January offenders broke into a steel container at a farm premises in Stonebridge Road, Coleshill and stole generators, saddles and other items of riding equipment.

Incident 60 of 19 January
During the night of 18 into 19 January, offenders entered a horsebox trailer parked outside a house in Banbury Road, Southam through the jockey door on the nearside of the vehicle.
Once inside, the offenders ransacked the vehicle and pulled out all cupboards, drawers and seats before making off with around 10 DVD's. 
The latest Hampshire Horsewatch Bulletin can be found on the following websites:

•    Hampshire Horsewatch web site www.nfed.co.uk/horsewatch
•    UK Horsewatch Alliance web site www.ukhorsewatch.org.uk

Also, a Horsewatch member from Claverdon has reported that last week offenders stole a battery charger from her field.
Fot those of you with email, the January copy of the Suffolk Horsewatch bulletin is attached.

HOW SA Equine related incidents in Long Itchington & Upper Tysoe

Please be aware of the following equine related incidents which have occurred in Warwickshire over recent days:

Incident 120 of 8 November
Between 2pm on 26 and 2pm on 28 October offenders entered an insecure barn at a stables in Long Itchington and stole a pair of blue plastic jump stands.  The offenders also entered an insecure tack shed and stole a pair of green wellington boots.

Incident 163 of 9 November
Between 19 October and 7 November offenders entered a secure stable at the same location in Long Itchington after cutting the lock off.  Once inside, the offenders stole 2 exercise rugs, a lunging whip and several head collars.

Incident 149 of 13 November
At some point before 9.30am on 13 November offenders entered a locked container, used as a tack room, at a stable yard in Upper Tysoe and stole six saddles and bridles.  The saddles are as follows:
. Handmade saddle by Walsall saddler, custom fit for rider (17.5" wide fit)

. Harry Dobbs saddle (18" wide fit)

. Ideal Cob saddle (17.5")

. Medium fit saddle (17")

. Wide fit cob saddle (17")

All saddles had stainless steel irons, english leather stirrups and girths attached.

. A selection of 18 bridles, various sizes, cob fit complete with bits.

. 3 covering bridles (1 with chiffney and green rope and other with blue rope)

If you have information that you believe may be connected to any of these incidents or you are suspicious of items offered for sale, please contact Police on 101 (non emergency number) quoting the incident number given.  Thankyou.

Please see the attached documents relating to the theft of fencing energisers and Equestrian Smartwater.
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Theft from stables are on Madeley Road Belbroughton DY9 9XL, 10 November 2011

Last night sometime between 19.00 and 05.45 this morning my yard was broken into again!  The gate was removed, 3 full sized water butts (our water supply)  were taken together with 4 chickens and their coop.  They also removed 10 stable mats from the stables - the horses were in the stables at the time - the two stables that they removed the mats from were possibly the worst 2 they could have picked out of the 5 stables as in the one stable was a pony we adopted from the RSPCA she was a cruelty case and very wary of strangers and the other horse is also nervous of strangers, his stall guard was broken and I can only assume that he bolted through it.  They did however have the decency to put the horses back in their stables and prop the entrance gate back up to prevent the horses escaping.

This has been reported to the Police Incident No. 495/111111 .

Further to the break in on Madeley Road, we discovered some of our fence wire was broken or cut. This was between two posts but there were no tracks on either side nor debris on the fence. Today we discovered a further cut or break in a different part of the field. No property was tampered with and nothing missing. The first incident was overnight 9/10th November.

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HOW NW Incidents of equine related crime in Coleshill, Ashorne, Bulkington and Hartshill - 4.10.11

Please be aware of the following incidents which have occurred in Warwickshire over recent days.

Incident 215 of 30 September
During the night of 29 into 30 September offenders attacked a pony in a field adjacent to the Fosseway at Ashorne, Warwick.

The offenders cut the tail of a Shetland cross to the tail bone.  The pony is very young and the incident has left him very nervous.

Coleshill
A member of Horsewatch from Coleshill has reported that during the night of 2 into 3 October offenders used bolt cutters to get through heavy duty chains and demolished a narrow field gate in an attempt to access the yard of a farm premises in Coleshill.

Several ponies were then hearded towards a vehicle by the offenders who used a couple of haynets and a much rack.  The offenders are then believed to have been disturbed or they upset the ponies too much and they left empty handed apart from power tools which were stolen from a nearby caravan.

The ponies were found loose on the driveway with the main gate still open.  They were mostly unharmed apart from a mare with a gash above her eye and anothyer mare who is now hopping lame.

Incident 160 of 3 October
Between 9.45 and 10pm on 2 October offenders entered the stable yard of a premises in Nuneaton Road, Bulkington and removed three horse rugs from an unlocked stable.  A witness saw a person wearing a hoodie running down the drive and getting into a silver Peugeot at around this time.

Incident 217 of 3 October
During the night of 2 into 3 October offenders entered a secure stable yard at Hartshill Hayes Country Park and then stole a large amount of horse rugs, head collars and leading reins from an insecure stable.

Please remain alert, on the lookout for suspicious persons, vehicles or activity around your premises or your area and please report anything of concern to police.  Thank you.

Julie Dale
Watch Co-ordinator
Community Protection
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Equine proprietors urged to beware after attempted theft

Proprietors of riding schools and livery yards are warned to be on their guard following an attempted theft at a British Horse Society (BHS) Approved establishment in Northamptonshire.

An unidentified female arrived at the centre last Thursday (8 September), claiming to be a British Horse Society Approval Inspector visiting to carry out the inspection and take photo’s for a portfolio.

The proprietor was suspicious and contacted the BHS Approvals team who advised him that the woman was not an inspector and not connected to the BHS in any way. The Society confirmed that all BHS Approval inspectors carry ID and will be happy to show it. They also advised the proprietor to step up security and be particularly vigilant in coming weeks.

However just hours later, on Friday evening, there was an attempted break in. The burglars were unsuccessful and the Police attended the scene.

The proprietor said: “This female was in her late twenties, early thirties with blonde hair, well spoken and with an accent. We want to advise all centre owners and staff to be more vigilant and to check for ID.”

Chris Doran, BHS Senior Executive Approvals said: “This matter is very concerning and we would urge all centres to be particularly cautious in coming weeks. If you have any concerns please call the BHS Approvals team immediately for reassurance.”

The British Horse Society Approvals team can be contacted on 02476 840509.

For further information and pictures, please contact: Alison Coleman, The British Horse Society, 02476 840463 or a.coleman@bhs.org.uk 
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Crime Prevention Information for riders and owners

>CRIME PREVENTION ADVICE FOR HORSE OWNERS
>CRIME REDUCTION ADVICE FOR HORSE OWNERS
>Tack Marking
>Where to find postcode identification
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HOW NW Burglary at stables in Wheelbarrow Lane, Claverdon INC 148 of 14 August

Please be aware that at some point during the night of 13 into 14 August offenders entered a stable block at an equestrian premises in Wheelbarrow Lane, Claverdon via the front gate, after removing a large chain and combination padlock securing it.

The offenders then interfered with a CCTV camera and made their way to the stable block where they removed further padlocks.

The offenders then entered the premises and carried out a search before leaving with only the padlocks, chain and CCTV camera.

Please remain alert, on the lookout for suspicious persons or activity on or around your premises or when you are out riding and please report anything unusual or of concern to police.  Thankyou.

Julie Dale
Watch Co-ordinator
Community Protection
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Horse Watch Bulletin 15 08 11
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HOW SA Incidents at stables premises in Ascott, Shipston on Stour and Case Lane, Hatton

Please can we make you aware of the following incidents which have occurred at premises which have equine interests over recent days.

Incident 101 of 23 July
During the night of 22 into 23 July offenders entered a tack room at a stables at a large rural house in Ascott, Shipston on Stour and stole three saddles, 2 bridles and many other items.

Incident 331 of 24 July
During the afternoon of 24 July eight burly, eastern European looking white males with dark hair were looking at various items of horse tack and stables in Case Lane, Hatton.  A witness noticed the males and followed then as they made off towards Five Ways and The Falcon.  The males were in a vehicle with the registration number W159 KVM.

Please remain alert, on the lookout for suspicious persons or activity in your area, as you ride out or around your land and buildings and please report anything of concern to police.  Thankyou.
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22 July 2011
Pony stolen from Nottingham, along with 5 others from same field

Attempt to steal horses - June 18, 2011

I have just received this message by email:

“I would just like to let everyone know that an attempt was made to steal two of my horses between the hours of 6.00pm Tuesday and 9.00am Wednesday this week.

The horses are in a field at Lower Hardwick just outside Pembridge, Herefordshire and were two very well marked three year old appaloosas about 16.1 so had probably been targeted to order. A fence had been removed and it appears they tried to herd them on to a vehicle. Luckily for me they must have been spooked by the strangers so I think they were unable to corner them. They would only have been used to quiet handling.

In another incident, and this could have been completely harmless, a lady in her thirties was seen photographing my daughters 16.2 chestnut thoroughbred about a mile from the first incident. She had with her a dappled Pit Bull type dog.

The Police have been informed and are being very helpful by informing as many people as possible and driving around that area.

Kind regards,
Stephanie Castell
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Tack Stolen June 20, 2011

Incident Number 171n190611, a friend had her tack room broken into in the Wichenford, Worcester area on Saturday night/Sunday night, all her rugs, boots, riding hat were stolen, the tack room was locked and the items were in locked boxes, they took every thing, please keep an eye out.
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Worcestershire Horse Watch Update 18 June

Dear all, you may be aware recently that a dilligent member of Farmwatch in Gloucestershire reported a suspicious white van which was subsequently stopped by police and found to have stolen tractor weights in the back. 3 males were arrested and the losing farmer had his property returned.

Following this triumph another vehicle has been reported to us acting suspiciously in the area of the Cotswold Farm Park and Huntsmans Quarry. The vehicle is described as a white Transit type bearing an index number similar to X382 OAH or T382 AOH. It is believed to have been carrying rwo males and a female, traveller type occupants.

Please be on the lookout for any suspicious vehicles and report them. It helps us to know where they are so that if/when things start to go missing we know who's been about.

Scrap is very highly sought after at the moment and anything metal left unattended could be stolen. Paint it with your postcode, mark it or try to keep it out of sight.

Electric fence energisers are also desirable so if you arnt using them hide them. If you are using them try to put them somewhere on the fence less approachable or visible.

West Mercia Police 0300 333 3000
Gloucestershire Police 0845 090 1234

Best wishes, Gail.

WPC 3308 Greenhouse
Broadway Police Station
Tel 0300 333 3000 ext 3777
gail.greenhouse@westmercia.pnn.police.uk
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STOLEN (29 May 2011)

3 Coloured Mares they are all Heavy in Foal, they were taken opposite Chessington World of Adventures!
There is a Large reward for them. Please circulate this message.
Call Lisa on 07775-448-324 it will be dealt with strict confidence
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[Reference: NHW]

This is an update about the theft of equestrian items from Muxton, overnight the 18th to the 19th May.
A number of saddles, bridles and other items were stolen from a container. It is believed that the offenders put the items into a wheelbarrow and pushed them approx one mile and took the following route,.across the field along a path behind Bloomsbury Court, Donnington to the bridge over A518 New Trench Road along the path behind Wyevale garden nursery then onto Humber Lane opposite the junction with Body Road on The Humbers.

Did anyone see anything, Has anyone been offered items for sale? Please ring 0300 333 3000
Reply using our website
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RW SA Suspicious vehicle NA06 SVZ seen at farm near Offchurch & Arson at rural premises near Radford Semele INC 257 16/5

A Rural Watch member from a farm premises near Offchurch has called in to report that at around 12.30pm today, Wednesday 18 May, a Ford Transit Pick up, registration number NA06 SVZ, with a white cab and a black body drive onto their premises, drove slowly around the yard and at the rear of buildings having a good look around.

The Watch member challenged the occupants of the truck.  Two males were on board and on got out to ask if there was any equipment and machinery for sale.  The Watch member said no and the male left a business card from P&D Property Maintenance Ltd.  The male is described as having an Irish accent and was wearing a pin striped suit.

If you have a visit for this vehicle and its occupants please call 01926 451111 and ask to report a suspicious incident.

At 2.35am on 15 May offenders set fire to wooden stables at a rural premises in Southam Road, Radford Semele.  The stables, tack room and hay storage were all damaged.

Please remain alert, actively on the lookout for suspicious or unusual activity around your land and buildings and please report anything of concern to police.  Thankyou.

Julie Dale
Watch Co-ordinator
Community Protection
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RW WK Incidents at rural premises in Stoneleigh, Stratford upon Avon and Studley INC 98 of 14 May

Please can we make you aware of the following incidents which have occurred at rural premises in South Warwickshire over recent days.

• During the night of 11 into 12 of May offenders broke into a Nurseries premises in Tomlow Road, Southam and then stole several poly tunnels.
• During the night of 13 into 14 May offenders cut the padlock off the main gate at a premises at the National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh and then entered the compound.  Once inside,  the offenders forced their was through a mesh door to an outbuilding and then cut the padlock off.  Once inside the outbuilding the offenders stole many items including a John  Deere ride on lawnmower, a John Deere diesel engine mini pick up and 2 cans full of diesel.
• Also during the night of 13 into 14 May offenders stole two touring caravans from a farm premises in Black Hill, Stratford.  One caravan was a white Amara Festival single axle, four berth and the second was a cream Bailey Pageant Burgundy single axle.
• Again on the night of 13 into 14 May offenders stole an Ifor Williams trailer and a set of show jumps from a farm premises in Hardwick Lane, Outhill, Studley.  Both the items have WWPC written on them.

Please remain alert, on the lookout for suspicious persons, vehicles or activity around your land or your buildings and please report anything of concern to police.  Thankyou.

Julie Dale
Watch Co-ordinator
Community Protection
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Urgent! Stolen horse - please help! - 13 May 2011 Dear all, please have a look at this and lets see if we can find Spirit for his sad owner. The third picture shows a distinctive scar which is on the inside of his leg and will definately help to identify him. If you have any information about this theft or the recovery of Spirit you can call Crimestoppers confidentially on 0800 555 111. Please remember you can pass any part of this message onto your friends if they would benefit from the information or could help. Regards, Gail WPC 3308 Greenhouse Broadway Police Station Tel 0300 333 3000 ext 3777 gail.greenhouse@westmercia.pnn.police.uk
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Ponies found/abandoned in Potton, Beds - 19 April 2011 Two ponies have been found in a field in Potton, Bedfordshire - they may be stolen though I can not find them on the Stolen Horse Register.  Please pass this message around to your contacts and ask anyone who wishes to claim them to contact Ann Kennedy on 01234 709960 or Sue Hill on 07971 853881 Mare and foal - both black, gypsy cob types.  Mare is 12.2 to 13 hands and has a star and blaze, we estimate about 2 to 3 years old.  Colt is 11 to 11.2 hands, has star and snip, we think about 9 months old.  Both are unshod and are in headcollars   ******************************************************* .

HW WK Invite to Warwickshire Horsewatch Meeting, Tuesday 19 April at 7pm at Old Police HQ, Leek Wootton

We will be hosting a Warwickshire Horsewatch meeting at The Old Warwickshire Police HQ, Leek Wootton at 7pm on Tuesday 19 April.
The purpose of the meeting is to formally set up a Warwickshire Horsewatch, owned and run by Horsewatch members and supported by Warwickshire Police.
If you would like to attend and get involved please let us know by email to watch@warwickshire.police.uk or by phone to 01926 684286.  Thankyou.

Julie Dale
Watch Co-ordinator
Community Protection
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Horse Watch Bulletin 04 04 11
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Missing on Loan - Quincey, freezemark 26DU - CF 01327 30311 - 11 April 2011

Im sending you all this for information as you may have seen him or know where he is. He looks lovely in the photos but clearly has some behavioural issues if you read his owners email! I cannot confirm he is stolen as I haven't contacted Northants Police, however there is obviously some dispute concerning a loan agreement.

If you know where he is please let me know, even anonymously so that this agreement can be sorted out.

On another note there has been some rugs stolen from a lock up in Hinton on the Green, nr Evesham. Approximately £1000 of Weatherbeta/Rambo used rugs with the names 'Tom' and 'Bob' written on them. There was also what appears to be an attempt theft of saddlery or rugs which took place near to Charlton, Evesham yesterday afternoon.

A silver Peugeot 406 vehicle has been seen acting suspiciously in the area and could be connected. Please ring me if you have any information or are concerned about your security.

West Mercia Police 0300 333 3000
Gloucestershire Constabulary 0845 090 1234

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

Thanks, Gail


WPC 3308 Greenhouse
Broadway Police Station
Tel 0300 333 3000 ext 3777
gail.greenhouse@westmercia.pnn.police.uk
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[Reference: NW 8.4.11 (4)] 8 April 2011

The following message is being circulated to both Neighbourhood Watch in Hinton on the Green and surrounding areas, as well as to Rural Watch members from across South Worcestershire.

Please note that between 1800hrs on Weds 6th April and 0800hrs on Thurs 7th April a large number of horse rugs were stolen from a farm outbuilding on Haselor Lane, Hinton on the Green.

Unknown person(s) entered the insecure outbuilding and stole 12 horse rugs, worth approximately £1000.

To those of you in the area, please report any suspicious people or vehicles seen in the area between those times, by calling the police call centre, via the switchboard, on 0300 333 3000, quoting incident ref 102-S-070411.

To those of you in the wider area who have horses, please remember that it is, unfortunately, not uncommon for items such as horse rugs and tack to be stolen.

Therefore, please take all reasonable security preca utions, ensure such items are stored in locked buildings and property mark items where able.

Many thanks.

Regards,

Adrian Symonds
Neighbourhood Watch Administrator
South Worcestershire
West Mercia Police
Reply using our website
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RW SA Incidents in Offchurch, Stratford, Long Marston & Ettington INC 174 of 4 April

Please be aware of the following incidents which have occurred at rural premises in South Warwickshire over recent days.

During the night of 20 into 21 March offenders forced the padlock off a chicken shed at a home in Village Street, Offchurch and stole 200 Goldline point of lay pullets.

During the night of 23 into 24 March offenders forced their way into an outbuilding at a farm premises in Halford Road, Stratford and stole a Kercher pressure washer.  The offenders also forced the locks off a diesel tank at the farm and stole a large quantity of fuel.

During the night of 27 into 28 March offenders kicked in the lower panels of two doors at an Antiques Business in Long Marston and then climbed through.  Once inside, the offenders stole a large quantity of gold and sliver jewellery.

The offenders had their faces covered and wore camouflage tops.

During the night of 3 into 4 April offenders are believed to have parked a vehicle in the gateway of a farm premises in Fosse Way, Ettington and then disabled an alarm to get into the premises.  The offenders then forced open the bottom of a patio door and got into the hallway of the house.  They were then disturbed by a dog and left the house via the front door.

Our colleagues in West Mercia Police have made us aware that they too are suffering an increase in diesel thefts, mainly from commercial storage tanks.

Insecure tack rooms have also been targetted by opportunist thieves who have stolen tack, rugs and equipment from tack rooms and from gateways.

One recent incident involved a farmer being telephoned by a stranger and told that his sheep were out on the road.  the farmer went out to check and left his Landrover near to the field while he recovered his sheep.  The Landrover was then stolen while it was left unattended.  Please don't leave your keys in your vehicles when you are working nearby.  The NFU report that in excess of 200 Landrovers and other 4x4 vehicles were stolen last year and most of these were never recovered as they were stripped down for parts and sold in bits.

Electric fence energiser units seem to be the current target of thieves.  As they are portable and are easy to steal.  Please avoid leaving them in sight if possible.  Make attempts to hide them behind logs etc and please ensure that you mark your postcode on them with paint, nail varnish, Smartwater or other permanent marker.  Please also pick them up and secure them away when they are not in use.

Thankyou.

Julie Dale
Watch Co-ordinator
Community Protection

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Update - 30 March 2011

Benston Isaac now found and is back home safe.

Subject: Benston Isaac - JD12720/2011

Equine Details - Benston Isaac Date of Birth 26-Apr-2003; Gender Male; Colour Skewbald; Height 77cm Sire Name Sweyn of Gott; Dam Name Rose Marie of Lower Mailland Breed SHETLAND PONY Submitted by Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society; Studbook/Section Purebred Shetland Pony; Birth Country United Kingdom Reported on 25-Mar-2011 Police Ref No. JD12720/2011 Last seen on the evening of 24th March 2011. Appears that he was dragged through the electric fence and either lifted or squeezed through a kissing gate and led across an arable field to the road. It is a very busy road, the A5120 and there is a lay-bye at the bottom of the hill going out of Houghton Regis (in Bedfordshire), probably the location he was loaded onto transport. The area is known as Bidwell Hill. Current Height 77cm Current Colour Skewbald Stallion, chestnut and white, 30.5" high, so very small, but wide and chunky. Very cuddly friendly nature, if he has not since been mistreated. May obviously be excited if near mares. 8 years old.

This is a Rural Watch message going to south Worcestershire. [Reference: FW 24.3.11 (1)]

Please note the following incident, which took place off our area (Wolverley in north Worcs), but as it is not that far away it is worth sharing with you:
Stables in Blakeshall Lane, Wolverley, have been broken into and 15 Bales of shavings have been stolen.
Please be mindful of security and report any suspicious activity to the police call centre, via the switchboard on 0300 333 3000.
Many thanks.
Adrian Symonds
Neighbourhood Watch Administrator
South Worcestershire
West Mercia Police
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HOW WK Theft of Horsebox/ Trailer from farm in Burton Hastings & Information from Staffordshire Police INC 203 of 21 March

Please be aware of the following equine related incidents which have occurred over recent days.
During the night of 7 into 8 March offenders stole a blue Ifor Williams HB505 Horsebox/trailer from a farm premises in Burton Hastings Near Nuneaton.
Colleagues in Staffordshire Police have made us aware that during the night of 15 into 16 March offenders broke the fencing to a paddock at a farm premises in the Ashwood area of Kinver and then forced the lock off a container.
The offenders made off with bridles and head collars, a riding hat and brushes.  The offenders used wheelbarrows to transport the items and then left the barrows behind a hedge.
Finally, there have been a number of battery thefts from tractors at rural premises across the county.  Please could we ask you to mark your batteries so that they are identifiable, perhaps with a postcode, farm name etc.  We may recover some of the property and if we find offenders with them we have a better chance of obtaining a conviction.  Thank you.
Julie Dale
Watch Co-ordinator
Community Protection
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RW SA Theft of trailer from rural premises in Evesham Road, Dodwell INC 311 of 17 March

please can we make you aware that sometime between 10am and 5pm on 17 March offenders stole a 3.5 ton triple axle Ifor Williams trailer from a field at a rural premises in Evesham Road, Dodwell.
The offenders cropped the clamp and the hitchlock from the trailer.
There have been a number of thefts of batteries from tractors in rural areas of Warwickshire.  Please could we ask you to mark your batteries so that they are identifiable, perhaps with a postcode or a farm name etc.  We may be able to recover some of the batteries and if we catch offenders with them, we have a better chance of obtaining a conviction.  Thank you.
Julie Dale
Watch Co-ordinator
Community Protection
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Reference: NHW - 10 March 2011

Horse tack including five saddles and bridles was stolen from a store in a field at Lockleywood, Market Drayton, overnight 6-7 March (0165N 070311)
Reply using our website
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Reference: Cleeton St Mary - Suspicious Vehicle - Ludlow Rural - 9 March 2011

Around 17:45 8/3 a silver BMW T837 BRO was seen driving in and around Cleeton St Mary. There were two males in the car, and the vehicle was observed being driven very slowly past houses. 0246N 080311

For information on PACT visit our Local Policing pages at http://www.westmercia.police.uk/localpolicing/ or to find out more about Crime Prevention and Personal Security visit our on-line advice centre at http://www.westmercia.police.uk/advicecentre/

Telford Community Messaging - Telford - NHW - 4 March 2011

Attempted Theft of 2 Horses from a field at Newton Farm, St Owens Cross, Hereford

For your information a theft of 2 horses from a field behind Newton farm was prevented by a vigilant owner. Interestingly the owner noticed that these two horses had two plaits in their mane which she could not account for.
At this stage no explanation for the plaits has been established.
We'd like to give reassurance to the community and encourage them to report these incidents immediately. By reporting these incidents to the Police we can plot the incidents and pick up any trends or patterns. We would like to stress the importance of having a photograph taken of the plait as well, with photographs we have the evidence required to collate the different appearance of the plaits and identify any similarities.

Our advice to anybody who discovers a plait is to -
.Check your horse's/pony's mane and tail for any signs of a plait
.Take a ph otograph of the plait
.Remove the plait
.Inform the Police - supply the photograph
.Move your horse/pony to alternative location for a night or so if this is possible
.Inform neighbours, local residents and ask for them to keep any eye out
Reply using our website
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Highley and Ludlow Rural Thefts

We’ve had reports of a number of thefts in the rural areas of  Highley recently.
Overnight 16/2 there was a theft of a metal gate from a farm in the Stottesdon area (0038N 170211) and again at Stottesdon a further and attempt to take a metal gate which was recovered nearby (0213N 170211).
And to the east of Netherton a metal bath, used as a horse trough, was taken from a field again possibly overnight 17/2. (0216N 170211)
To the south of Eardington an outbuilding was broken into and gardening tools taken. (0031N 180211)
Finally, over towards Ludlow, at Coreley a Bonsai tree and pot were stolen, possibly late on the evening of 15/2. (0052N 170211)
All these thefts are in rural / remote areas and it is possible that vehicles are driving round in the day-time and their occupants taking note of items. So if you do see any suspicious vehicles or even just ones you aren’t familiar with , in the area, please give us a call and we’ll check them out on our systems and do our best to catch up with them and speak with the vehicle’s occupants.
It doesn’t matter if it turns out there is nothing untoward. We’d much rather hear from you than not.
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Missing

Approximately 13h cob mare, 4 white socks and distinctive blaze. Hairy legs but could have been clipped. Gone missing from The Weald, Sevenoaks on night of Tuesday 18 January
Mane been rubbed short as in head shot.
MICROCHIPPED
Any info please phone 07879 447176 No questions asked, I just want her home.
More details and photograph

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Reference: Countywide Oil Thefts

We have had numerous reports – Newport; Northwood; Worfield; Minsterley; Baschurch; Stanton upon Hine Heath, Myddle and Craven Arms - of the theft of Heating Oil or Diesel. Due to the quantities involved vehicles fitted with tanks or drums are often used. These may be pick-up type vehicles with tanks, or drums on the back, or transit type vans with tanks or drums concealed inside. Please keep a look out for any such vehicles that visit your area and are unknown to you.
With its relative high cost heating oil is an attractive proposition for the thief and they are actively targeting fuel tanks at farms, transport depots and domestic properties. The thief may be using the oil for their own use or selling it on. These tanks can contain many thousands of pounds worth of oil and it therefore makes good sense to take a few precautions to protect them.

Siting Your Oil Tank
The position of the tank can have a significant effect on how hard a target it is in the eyes of the thief. If the tank is close to the house, with one or more windows capable of giving a view of it, then the thief may consider the chances of being seen too high. If the tank is close to a road, path, drive or alleyway then it will be a far easier target. Hiding the tank behind the garage, shed or some other type of outbuilding is fairly commonplace, but it can give the thief the advantage.

Control Switches
Control switches that control the flow of oil should be turned off and the electricity supply isolated when the tank is not in use.

Padlocks
A thief will usually come equipped with a limited range of tools to attack your tank so it's worth spending a little more on good quality locks. Close shackle padlocks are the best as they offer most resistance to the most popular of burglar tools; the bolt cropper. Remember that buying a padlock for the tank is a good investment and it is worth paying for the extra quality.

Oil Level Gauges
Remote electronic oil level gauges are now available which will set off an audible alarm if the oil level in the tank suddenly drops or falls below a quarter full. These gauges can be located in the kitchen or perhaps a utility room to warn of any potential problem. There are two or three different versions on the market at the moment. Also get into the habit of regularly checking oil levels so that you will know if you have lost any.

Security Lights
Security lights can have a very positive effect and make any property a much harder target for the thief. It's not always necessary to floodlight the area with high power beams, as a more subtle level of lighting may be all that is needed. Low energy 'dusk till dawn' lights positioned close to the tank should, in most cases, provide sufficient light to illuminate any suspicious activity.

Defensive Planting
Defensive planting is nature's way of helping to reduce crime. Thieves will not wish to force their way through or over a prickly hedge. The smallest trace of blood or shred of ripped clothing could help the police identify the offender. These shrubs can, if planted around your tank, provide an effective and decorative thief proof barrier.

Securing Your Oil Tank
Following on from the defensive plant tactic, fences and walls can also make life difficult for the thief. A wooden or metal fence, trellis or wall can give significant protection to the tank, but it must be remembered that the oil tanker driver will need access to fill the tank. A metal or grill cage with a lockable access point across the top of this wall or fence can further improve security. The wall or fence should be as close to the tank and as high as possible. Of course a trellis could also be decorated with defensive planting. A product called 'Tank Guard' surrounds the existing storage tank with a metal enclosure. This sheet metal enclosure has lockable access doors to allow filling and maintenance and has internal anchorage points to fix it to the concrete base. A tank guard costs less than one tank full of oil and will last many years.

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Reference: Suspicious Vehicle

This vehicle was seen recently in the Attingham Park area, apparently the occupants were looking for scrap, but is being sent to a wider area as it is believed that it does travel around and has been involved in other suspicious incidents in the Telford area.
White Ford Transit Van with a Blue Body P279NO?
Please give us a call if it turns up near you.
For information on PACT visit our Local Policing pages at http://www.westmercia.police.uk/localpolicing/ or to find out more about Crime Prevention and Personal Security visit our on-line advice centre at http://www.westmercia.police.uk/advicecentre/
To contact us please ring 0300 333 3000 Extension 5811 - In an emergency dial 999
Or you can email contactus@westmercia.pnn.police.uk
Please DO NOT use the REPLY button to respond to this email, instead use the FORWARD button and address to contactus@westmercia.pnn.police.uk .
WWW.SAFER-SHROPSHIRE.ORG
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Reference: Shropshire Tack Thefts]

We have had a report that a stable has been broken into just to the south of Cockshutt and tack stolen. This seems to have happened in the last day or so. 0166N 301110
This follows on from two earlier reported incidents:
Sometime on 27/11 stables in the Bings Heath area was broken into and two saddles and fence chargers stolen. 0450S 281110
In another incident, further north, there was an attempt to break into stables in the Stanton upon Hine Heath area. 0272S 281110For information on PACT visit our Local Policing pages at http://www.westmercia.police.uk/localpolicing/ or to find out more about Crime Prevention and Personal Security visit our on-line advice centre at http://www.westmercia.police.uk/advicecentre/
To contact us please ring 0300 333 3000 Extension 5811 - In an emergency dial 999
Or you can email contactus@westmercia.pnn.police.uk
WWW.SAFER-SHROPSHIRE.ORG
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[Reference: NW 25.11.10 (1)]

Good afternoon,
The following message is being circulated to both Rural Watch and Neighbourhood Watch across South Worcestershire.
Holly Thefts:
Please note that it is the time of year when we normally start to see the theft of holly (which is stolen to be sold on) - we have already had at least one reported suspicious incident.
Therefore, for those of you with holly trees, please be mindful, and also beware of people offering to "trim" or "prune" your trees as you may just be left with a stump afterwards...!
Suspicious vehicles:
Please note the following suspicious vehicles:
Silver Toyota MPV people carrier, reg S884BKP - seen acting suspiciously near a riding school in Bockleton, near Tenbury Wells. Incident ref 189-S-241110.
White LDV 400 panel van, reg T544RRD - involved in a metal theft in Droitwich on 9th Nov (inc ref 476-S-091110) and seen acting suspiciously in Egdon (south east of Worcester) on 22nd Nov (inc ref 480-S-221110).
Please report any incidents/sightings of the above vehicles to the police call centre, via the switchboard, on 0300 333 3000, quoting the relevant incident ref number. For emergencies/crime in progress, obviously dial 999.
Many thanks.
Regards,
Adrian Symonds
Neighbourhood Watch Administrator
South Worcestershire
West Mercia Police

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Horse Watch Bulletin 11 11 10

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[Reference: Shifnal Rural Suspicious Incident]

6/11 14:00 two males were seen up a farm track at a riding school in the Nedge Hill area. When approached the males stated they were interested in riding lessons.

The vehicle they were in was a silver Mondeo NC06 MY?. The vehicle is registered to a keeper quite a distance away and it would seem a long way to travel for riding lessons. 0181S 081110

For information on PACT visit our Local Policing pages at http://www.westmercia.police.uk/localpolicing/ or to find out more about Crime Prevention and Personal Security visit our on-line advice centre at http://www.westmercia.police.uk/advicecentre/

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WARWICKSHIRE POLICE WATCH SCHEMES Warwickshire Police -  01926 684385
   Fax - 01926 684384    Email  watch@warwickshire.police.ukMESSAGE
.................HOW NW Horse related crime in Shustoke, Bell Broughton & South Yorkshire INC 67 of 8 November

Please can we make you aware of the following incidents of horse related crime which have occurred in Warwickshire and other counties over recent days.

During the night of 7 into 8 November offenders stole three Shetland ponies from a field at a farm premises in Moathouse Lane, Shustoke.

One was a 6 month old piebald filly, another was a 14 month old piebald filly and the third was a 3 year old sorrell chestnut with flaxen mane and tail.

During the night of 2 into 3 November offenders broke into a stables on Madeley Road, Bellbroughton and stole horse rugs, and three head collars.
If you have information please contact admin@worcestershirehorsewatch.co.uk

A 16 year old loan horse called Ayesha has gone missing on her way to Harrogate.  Ayesha is Arab x Thoroughbred x Welsh mare and is 15.3 hands high.

She is chestnut with a white blaze on her head.  She is white below the knee to hoof on left front and right hind legs.

She has Prophet thumb mark on the right side of her neck and a scar on her right neck which can only be seen when she is clipped.  She is also microchipped.

If you have any information please contact joanne.kennedy@southyorks.police.uk.

Thankyou.

Julie Dale
Watch Co-ordinator

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WARWICKSHIRE POLICE WATCH SCHEMES Warwickshire Police -  01926 684385    Fax - 01926 684384    Email  watch@warwickshire.police.ukMESSAGE .................HOW NW Horse related crime in Corley, South Newington, Oxon & Shifnal + Firework advice for horse owners

Please can we make you aware of the following incidents of equine related crime which have occurred in Warwickshire and neighbouring counties over recent days.

During the night of 30 into 31 October offenders forced the lock off a tack room at a stables in Stonehouse Lane, Corley and stole various items of riding equipment.

Our colleagues in Banbury have made us aware that Stables were broken into in South Newington, during the night of 29 into 30 October and tack and saddles were stolen. 

Our colleagues in Telford have made us aware that sometime between 8pm on 27 and 4pm on 28 October a black male Shetland pony, 4yrs old 10 hands high, with a brown tinge to his mane and end of his tail and micro-chipped was taken from a field in the Kemberton area of Shifnal.

It is reported that the owner's neighbour noticed a large white transit van in the area 10pm 27/10 and on examining the scene later it appeared there had been a struggle to load the animal into the vehicle.

For those of you receiving this message by email, please see the attached Firework Advice sheet for Horse Owners, kindly provided by Carole Cotterill.

As always, please remain actively on the alert for suspicious or unusual activity around your area and please report anything that you consider to be out of the ordinary or of concern to police.

Thankyou.

Julie Dale
Watch Co-ordinator
Community Protection
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Crime reference number 59S031110

Could you alert your members as we had another break in, sometime between 17.30 on 2 November 2010 and 06.00 on 3 November 2010.  Horse rugs (which were marked with smart water) were taken as well as 3 head collars.

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Reference: Rural Watch Suspicious Vehicles]

Following a number of incidents around the county, in rural locations, there are a couple of vehicles we are interested in and would welcome a call if they turn up in your area: A white Ford car derived van R240 YO

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Do you own a horse? 
Do you know that NED can reduce the chance of your horse being stolen and if it is stolen, increase the chance of it being recovered? Two very good reasons to associate with your horse in NED!
Read more. . .

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Worcestershire Horse Watch now have a new contact telephone number 07941 825740,

this number replaces all other numbers for Worcestershire Horse Watch
Contact Us: Email admin@worcestershirehorsewatch.co.uk
Telephone 07941 825740
PO BOX 767, WORCESTER, WR1 9AE
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Chips4Tack is a company specialising in adding both visible and invisible ID to your saddles.
Read more. . .
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LOW COST GPS TRACKER SYSTEM

This tracker system is ideal for Caravans, Tractors, Trailers, Horse Boxes, etc it works via the mobile telephone systems, fit a pay as you go SIM card put it into your caravan connect to the 12v system or use with self contained battery.
If your property is stolen just call its number and it will Text you back with its location, or you can set it so if it moves more than 30 Metres it will Text you. 
The cost of the GPS including a SIM card is £155.00 + p & p (no ongoing cost) Trade/Police enquiries welcome.
Available from - Dave Greaves - DJG Technology
01630 655554 mob 07766061514 

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HORSEWATCH MENU
Starters
     * Freeze brand for horse      * Post-coded saddlery * Security tagging for trailer      * Tracker for the horsebox
Mains
     * Better padlocks      * Stronger chains      * Security lights      * Alarm      * CCTV      * Postcode for roof of box/trailer
Dessert
     * Description of everything written down      * Yard awareness of security plans     * Emergency numbers to hand      * Complete security review
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