EVERY year across the UK thousands of pounds worth of horse-related equipment is stolen.

Horses and ponies are also illegally taken from stables, yards and pastures, causing their owners much distress.

Fortunately, in West Yorkshire, incidents of equine-related crime are relatively low. This is thanks in particular to the introduction of HorseWatch, a scheme providing help and advice in preventing such crimes, and offering assistance when they do occur.

Run by West Yorkshire Police, the initiative - which is replicated by police forces in other parts of the country - has helped to halve the number of incidents since it was set up seven years ago.

When it began, horse theft stood at around 60 a year, now it is down to around 30,” says Police Community Support Officer Shaun Taylor, one of a team with responsibility for Horsewatch as well as wildlife crime in Bradford and Leeds. “The figures are reducing partly due to our work on Horsewatch.”

In 2014 in the Bradford district there were 13 thefts of horses reported, of which six were found to not be linked to any crime, having escaped their enclosure. Last year there were 12, of which five were found not to be non-criminal, and so far this year there have been nine reports, with four having no crime committed.

Numbers are falling, but officers are by no means complacent every effort is made to continue to reduce the opportunity for this type of crime to occur

Incidents within the past three months include tack stolen from stables in Pudsey, a horse and her foal taken from Otley and a trailer reported stolen from Thackley.

One area of equine crime is seeing an increase: owners negotiating loan agreements. This involves someone else takes on the care of their horse - allow people to take their horse for trial periods, but do not return it.

“This happens a lot, and people do not take details before letting their horse go,” says Shaun. “We work closely with the British Horse Society, who can advise and have sample contracts.”

Owners release their horses for various reasons - they may find themselves in financial difficulty but do not want to give up their animal. For those leasing a horse, these agreements are sometimes negotiated as a first step towards buying one.

“You would not loan your car without getting first details from the other party, so why not your horse? It is vital to have an agreement in place,” adds Shaun.

Working along the same lines as Neighbourhood Watch, Horsewatch members should keep an eye out for their own horses, nearby neighbours' horses, equipment, vehicles and any breaches of security on their land.

Every area of West Yorkshire has a HorseWatch liaison officer who can help to support people in establishing a scheme. Those who join Horsewatch become part of a community network which, in partnership with the police, receives and relays information.

The scheme allows details of crimes to be quickly sent by phone or e-mail to Horsewatch members across West Yorkshire.

One of its main aims is to encourage members to keep a note of any suspicious incidents, which may include recording the registration numbers of unfamiliar vehicles, and to warn the police and others about people acting suspiciously near stables and land where horses are kept.

“We hold meetings in areas where there is a need,” says Shaun, citing recent examples as Keighley and north-west Leeds. “Local officers will email information to contacts - depending upon the system operating in that area.

The information exchanged helps to reduce the opportunities for criminals to strike.

Members receive a registration pack containing details of methods of marking horses - such as micro-chipping and freeze marking with a unique number. A variety of methods can also be sued to mark tack, trailers and horse boxes.

“Marking property is so important,” says Shaun, “It also makes it easier to trace owners and return it if it is recovered. We act as a facilitator, advising people. The British Horse Society can help with marking. A crime reduction officer can advise on larger premises.”

Taking detailed photographs can also help. Advice on other security measures including building security, lighting, fencing and locks is also given.

Many local HorseWatch schemes have their own Facebook and Twitter sites. “We put all the up-to-date crimes on there,” says Shaun. “Anyone can follow us on social media.”

“It is a scheme that is working - we are reducing crime. I encourage people to get involved with a local scheme. The more we get the word out the better.”

*westyorkshire.police.uk/HorseWatch; facebook.com/HorseWatch;