Security
Stolen tack and horse theft is big business with many hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of tack being stolen each year. The thieves are not usually opportunists; they come to steal your tack or any other saleable object. They know what they are after and how to dispose of it.
The key is - don't make it easy for them.
By taking simple steps you can make their business more difficult and keep your horse and tack safe.
The information on this page is referenced from the West Mercia Police Website
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Stable Security
Some stables are wide open to theft. They are remote and deserted at night, so securing them can be a problem. Steps can be taken to reduce the risk: |
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Check the overall construction of your buildings. Are there any weak spots offering easy access to the thieves?
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Are the tack room doors strong enough? Do they have strong locks and hinges?
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Make sure access gates are locked to stop vehicles being driven in close, ready for a quick getaway.
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Leave lights on as a deterrent, particularly at approaches to the tack room and stable entrances.
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Consider a burglar alarm, and possibly CCTV - both need not be expensive.
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Consider keeping a dog or geese, both can be very noisy.
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Consider making one area, such as the tack room, a ‘strong' area that's reinforced all round, since wooden buildings can be broken into easily.
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Use good quality locks, but make provision for emergency access.
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Challenge strangers. Done politely, genuine people won't be offended. People asking about livery should be escorted while they're on the yard. Obviously they need to know about your security arrangements, but you don't need to give away too many details or your exact routine.
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Be careful if you're on your own and see someone suspicious, it's better to phone for help first than to put yourself in danger.
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While riding on a road or working around the yard it is always useful to have a mobile phone handy
Horse Security
Every year the number of horse thefts increases. Thieves are put off stealing horses if the animal is easily identifiable. This can be done in several ways:
- Freeze Marking
- Microchipping
- Hoof Branding
- DNA Analysis (Genotyping)
It also helps to have:
- Identification Diagram
- Good Quality Photograph
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Vehicle Security
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Don't leave your horsebox unattended at shows, with your doors open and ramp down. This leaves the box and all your possessions open to theft.
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Don't think your horsebox is safe parked on your yard. Lock all doors and ramps at all times.
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Consider an alarm and immobiliser.
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Fitting a ‘Tracker' will help in the recovery of your vehicle.
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Trailer Security
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Covertly mark your trailer on the roof and the side with a unique number top help you easily identify it.
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Install a Microchip
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Wheel clamps are a simple but effective deterrent.
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The ‘A Frame' allows you to fix the trailer to the ground.
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Lockable coupling and post codes on the trailer drawbar are extra measures worth considering
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Tack Security
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Keeping your tack securely locked away is the best measure. For your saddle you can now purchase saddle locks.
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Marking your tack with your postcode is another method approved and used extensively by Police forces nationwide.
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Simply use the postcode of your home or stables, followed by the number of the premises. If there is no number use the first two letters of the name instead. Your postcode and house number is unique to your house. E.g. 123 High Street, YO1 7HH = YO1 7HH 123
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There are several ways you can security code your tack:
- Freeze branding your postcode onto your saddle.
- Microchipping your saddle and bridle.
- Letter dies onto your bridle.
- Engraving.
- Letter stamps to imprint post code into leather.
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