This might be in the wrong place but at least every one will see it.

The local horse rustling activity is NOT a joke or scare munggering see the police warning on there website I have copped the reports in from just a few forces its wide spread. These people are even coming on to yards in the day saying they have permission to take pics for a brocher.

Essex Police NewsLine
Police warning to horse owners
By Kelly Taylor


Police in the Colchester district are warning horse owners to stay alert after two suspicious men have been taking photographs of horses at horse shows.

A white van has been spotted attending several horse shows in the area, with two men of eastern European appearance taking photographs of the horses.

There was also an attempted theft of a horse in Great Horkesley over night on June 29-30, where suspects removed the electric fencing to the field and tried to steal one of the horses.

Pc Kerry Allen said: “We are asking the public to keep an eye out for any suspicious behaviour both at horse shows and fields where horses are being kept. We want all horse owners to be aware of these two men and we will be sending out police community support officers to speak to horse owners to make them aware.

June 2, 2008

Warning over horse theft reports
Fears have been raised that a criminal gang intent on stealing horses is travelling around Derbyshire.

Police have said a number of people had reported a group of people acting suspiciously near stables and taking pictures of horses.

Texts have been sent to hundreds of horse owners warning them to be extra vigilant about their property.

Officers said they were also investigating the idea the gang was posting bogus horse sale adverts.

Insp Erica Green said that despite the fact no crimes had been reported, it was better to be careful.

"We want people to keep an eye out for suspicious activity and if possible make a note of number plates on cars.

"There are ways of marking horses but the best deterrent is if people are alert and any criminals see that."


I have a friend in the police who has also confirmed that they are being stolen to order.

There will be a piece in the H&H about this tomorrow.

DI David Collings of Hampshire Police says that while there have been some genuine sightings in places as far apart as Hampshire and Derbyshire, some undue panic has been caused by well meaning people not being terribly accurate when passing the message on.

Erika Green gave the best advice which is to alert the local police IMMEDIATELY you see something suspicious. We've all got mobile phones - make sure the number of the nearest police station is stored in yours.

Also to make you awear they as following riders in a red 4X4 in our area a girl I share the yard with was followed down the road by a guy saying the horse was his !!

This has also happend in Essex with a green 4X4 and the chap was tring to buy her horse off her while out hacking.

Rumours in the South lakes/ North Lancs area, of sightings of men taking photos, and acting suspiciously.

9 coloured cobs from the Cannock area Staffs.

5 Horses in Lichfield, others in Keighly, Yorks.Many taken during the day!

Red Toyota Landcruiser, white van, and a blue VW. Men are reported to have Eastern European accents, but I would not take too much notice of that.Most cannot tell a scotsman from an irishman!

They seeemed to be very organised.

I agree see anything suspicious, report it!

Having read the Horse and Hound forum on this subject - at length - they believe a lot of it is scaremongering and chinese whispers, although there are people actually sleeping at their yards last night .

Yes, there are two vehicles involved, a red Land Cruiser and a White Transit van, yes a couple of horses have gone missing, but nothing on the scale they initially purported.

More details will be available in the H and H tomorrow,

Yorkshire, Derby and one in Kent have been mentioned, but not verified.

If you are worried, contact your local Horsewatch or Police - they will tell you if there is a risk in your area.

Just be vigilant, makes you worry though doesn't it?

I read our local Hampshire Horsewatch newsletter and the vans are mentioned there. So I guess it is not a complete hoax. The police are saying no crimes have been committed at present but to be aware as they have been seen photographing horses.