Mounted Branch

Tack crime

The tack racket

Stolen tack and horse thieving is now big business - and getting bigger. But tack thieves aren't opportunists. They know what they're looking for and how to dispose of it. Not that they are particularly skilled as burglars. Far from it. They simply rely on you to make it easy for them. Stolen tack is easily disposed of through markets or small ads.

There are two sets of steps you can take to protect yourself from tack room raiders - first keep them out - then put them off

First keep them out

Some stables are wide open to theft. Remote and deserted at night, securing them presents a problem. Steps can nevertheless be taken to reduce the risks.

Check the overall construction of your tack room:

• Are there any weak spots offering an easy way in?
• Is the door likely to offer realistic resistance - enough to put off a would-be thief?
• Is it robust and does are the latest thief resistant hinges and locks been fitted?

Make sure gates to driveways are locked to stop vehicles being driven in close - ready for a quick getaway. Do what you can to stop vehicles being driven in across open fields. Leave on lights as a deterrent - particularly any covering the approaches to the tack room. A burglar alarm is a good idea, it need not be expensive. Consider keeping a large dog with a bark to match.

Living close to your stables gives you an advantage of course - particularly if you overlook the tack room itself. Needless to say, if you have neighbours they too can help by keeping their eyes open for trouble and reporting anything suspicious to you or the police.

Marking for keeps

Marking your tack is something else which throws the would-be thief. They're much less likely to steal anything that's traceable. Property marking generally is used and approved by police all over the country. Figures show that it not only acts as a powerful deterrent but often leads to the recovery of stolen tack and the arrest of the culprit.

However, to be effective, marking has to take a particular form. It's no good just using your initials. What's needed is your postcode - that of your home or stables - followed by the number of the premises. If there's no number, put the first two letters of the name.

Tools for the job

Engraving and punching identifies your property for good. Inexpensive tools and kits for the job can be bought from DIY shops and ironmongers. Improvising by scratching to save yourself the outlay is all right but it might need a little extra care.

Where to mark

Saddles

If you are using letter dies you'll find the area under the flap the most accessible. Remove one of the stirrups and lay the saddle on its side. Then stamp your code on the underside where the back of the thigh would be when riding. The stirrup bar is the only place that can be engraved.

Bridles

Can only be marked with letter dies. Choose any place you like - inside the cheek pieces or on top of the head piece or the buckle end of the reins.

Other items of value to mark - electric clippers, groomers, generators.

If you would like more detailed advice on marking, contact the Crime Prevention Officer at your local police station, he or she will be glad to help you.

The local police station will also supply you with your 'property marked' stickers. Remember, letting would-be tack thieves know you're marked is vital. It could throw them completely - saving so much pain and anguish.

Keeping your tack room intact

• Gates should be padlocked with the addition of a heavy duty chain and hinges fitted so that the gate cannot be lifted off.
• Openly display signs to advertise that all your property is marked. This often deters a thief from even getting started.
• Secure doors with substantial locks.
• Secure windows with solid iron bars inside. Remember tubular steel can be bent and wood sawn.
• Have all your tack property marked. Mark other valuable property such as electric clippers, groomers, generators and horses themselves.

And what if your property is stolen anyway?

Property marked or not, report any theft immediately to your local police station. If the stolen property is marked, give details even if there is only an attempt to break in, tell us anyway as it helps to know when tack thieves are about which in turn helps you.