'Horsewatch' scheme to beat stable burglary

Nov 30 2009 By Vicki Eltis

Hersham PC Neil Bourn and members of Horsewatch

HORSE owners in Hersham have joined forces to prevent burglars targeting stables in a new scheme called Horsewatch.

The scheme was set up by Hersham PC Neil Bourn after four burglaries at stables in Turners Lane over several months. It will ensure regular contact between horse owners and enable only Horsewatch members to park by the stables.

PC Bourn said: "Horsewatch is similar to Neighbourhood Watch in that it ensures all horse owners know one another and have regular contact. We have designed posters and passes for cars for each yard so if there are any suspicious vehicles we will know. The only people that should be down the lane are horse owners. It will enable us to identify why other vehicles are down there.

"Any drivers that are parked by the stables without passes will be challenged by the local neighbourhood team or horse owners."

Hersham police community support officer (PSCO) Michael Wells has worked on the project too ensuring all yard owners and horse owners have each others contact details.

In the latest incident 10 bridles, each worth £200, clippers, rugs and other equipment were stolen from Old Oak Stables on Thursday November 19. Damage was also caused to the fence where the thieves had gained access.

Sarah Gledhill, manager of Old Oak Stables, who welcomes the scheme, said: "It is very disheartening. The horse world is so small and everyone who has horses, has them because they love them. When there's a break-in it's not only the cost of the equipment but also the cost of repairing the damage. Luckily, they didn't get to the horses. I think Horsewatch is a good idea and other owners agree it is needed."

The stables are also looking at installing solar-panelled CCTV and Mrs Gledhill has looked into a GPS tracking system with tracking devices which can be put in the rugs.