THIEVES are increasingly targeting riding centres and stables, police have warned.

Thousands of pounds worth of saddles, tack and livery are being stolen and sold on, often at trade fairs hundreds of miles away.

To combat the growing problem, Cleveland Police are running sessions where horse owners can have tack security marked and microchipped.

Kirklevington Riding Sc-hool, near Yarm, which is taking part in the scheme, has suffered two raids in recent months, with about £10,000 worth of equipment stolen.

Evelyn Tate, whose daughter runs the school, said the thieves struck in September and October.

She said: "A large amount of equipment is being stolen in the area, but I cannot understand why, because its secondhand value is not high."

The school has security marked and deliberately defaced tack to make it worthless.

Stockton Police, in connection with farms, are offering to security mark saddles for £10. The information will be entered on a national database to track owners.

The events will be at the school, at Town End Farm, Forest Lane, Kirklevington, tomorrow, from 3pm to 6pm, and at Stainsby Grange Riding Centre, Thornaby, on Wednesday, from 5pm to 8pm.