Officers hold tack marking events for horse owners

Rural crime officers and volunteers have helped horse owners protect their equipment at a series of tack marking events.

The free sessions were part of Northamptonshire Police's support for Operation Gallop, a national awareness week dedicated to tackling crimes affecting the equestrian community, and saw about 50 items of tack marked.

Tack marking is a method of identifying items equipped to horses, such as saddles and bridles, to deter theft and also aids in the recovery of stolen property.

The force's rural crime team also visited horse owners and riders to share crime prevention advice.

Sgt Abbey Anstead, from Northamptonshire Police, said: "As a rider myself, I know just how important your saddle, bridle and all the rest of your tack is – not just the cost of it, but getting the right fit for your horse.

"We had a brilliant response to our tack marking visits, and I hope it helps demonstrate how simple it can be to deter thieves by making your items uniquely identifiable and therefore harder for them to sell on.

"I'd like to thank all our Volunteers on Horseback for their support and knowledge too."

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