Police campaign pulls reins on horse crime

Dorset police is taking part in Operation Gallop to tackle equine crime

A police force has been raising awareness of crimes affecting horse owners and riders, as part of a national campaign.

Dorset Police has been taking part in Operation Gallop, which is a week of action to tackle equine crimes.

Officers have visited horse yards and stables to offer security advice and special tagging kits which help to deter thieves.

On Friday, Rural Mounted Volunteers will educate motorists in Shaftesbury and Studland on the importance of driving wide and slow when overtaking horses on the road.

Rural Mounted Volunteers will educate motorists in Shaftesbury and Studland on road safety around horses

PC Kate Schofield, the equine lead for the rural crime team, said: "During the week, we want to encourage horse owners to take proactive steps to prevent the theft of their property."

The DNA kits that officers have handed out to horse owners can be used to mark high value items with an invisible tag that can only be seen under a UV light.

This makes it easier to spot stolen items, making them less desirable to thieves.

"We want to send a clear message to offenders that if you are thinking to stirrup trouble for our equine communities, we will do all we can to hold you accountable for your actions," Ms Schofield said.

Rural Mounted Volunteers will explain the importance of driving wide and slow when overtaking horses

Advice when driving near a horse:

• Reduce your speed to a maximum of 10mph (16kmh) when approaching and passing horses

• Be patient and do not sound your horn or rev your engine

• Pass wide and slow giving the horse plenty of room

• Overtake only when it is safe

• Do not accelerate rapidly once you have passed them

Source: Dorset Road Safe