Rural crime officers and volunteers have been helping horse owners protect their equipment at free tack marking events.

Dear Resident

Tack marking sessions were part of Northamptonshire Police’s support for Operation Gallop, a national awareness week dedicated to tackling crimes affecting the equestrian community.

The Rural Crime Team were joined by members of the Force’s Volunteers on Horseback scheme to place identifying marks on around 50 items of tack.

Visits were also made to yards to chat with horse owners and riders and share crime prevention advice.

Sergeant Abbey Anstead, of the Rural Crime Team, 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.”

Find out more about Volunteers on Horseback, part of our Citizens in Policing team, here.

Contact the Rural Crime Team by emailing RuralCrime@northants.police.uk