CONCERNS about the high number of thefts from horse owners led police to link up with an equestrian shop at the weekend.

The police visited Mowden Equestrian and Pet Supplies, in Mowden, Darlington, on Saturday, to offer horseowners the chance to have their equipment security chipped.

Part of Saddle-trac, a national crime prevention scheme, the chips mean that equipment, such as saddles, are given a unique code number.

PC Clare Addison, of Darlington police, said: "Over the past year, police in Durham, Cleveland and North Yorkshire have dealt with numerous incidents in which horse tack has gone missing from liveries and yards.

"This scheme means that a very small chip is inserted in a piece of equipment so that when the item is recovered, it can be returned to its owner."

Store owner Lesley Cameron said: "This scheme is important because it allows equipment to be identified when it is stolen."