NORTH Yorkshire police are backing a microchipping scheme to help track down criminals who are breaking into local stables.

The initiative was launched at Harlsey Show, held at the Northallerton Equestrian Centre last Saturday.

Police say that about £150,000 worth of tack was stolen from stables around the county in the first three months of the year alone.

The Richmond Community Safety Partnership has teamed up with Saddle Safe, which can install a hidden microchip in tack.

The information is kept on a database, which will help police identify recovered stolen property at the touch of a button.

Lynn Adams, Harlsey Show secretary, said: "We are hoping the scheme will make thieves think twice before they come to the area in the first place.

"The database also includes digital images of equipment which has been tagged so there can be no doubts."

She said Saddle Safe would issue alerts on the internet as soon as something had been stolen. It is hoped that if enough people express interest in the scheme, the price can be reduced to £15 for each tag.

The Saddle Safe scheme is not limited to tack and farmers and landowners can take advantage of it to tag equipment such as quad bikes and trailers.

Anyone interested in finding out more can telephone 01609 789390.