POLICE have urged horse owners to save thousands of pounds by taking simple steps to protect their equipment from thieves.

Northumbria Police's mounted section is giving people the chance to have their saddles, bridles and other tack security-stamped free of charge.

Officers will travel to stables to provide the service if it is needed by ten or more people. They are also visiting riding groups to give crime prevention advice. The service is offered to non-commercial livery yards.

Under the security stamping scheme, the owner's postcode and house number is marked on the tack. If stolen items are recovered, they can be returned to their owner.

PC Bev Sparke, of the mounted section, said: "It is hugely expensive to replace tack, and often the equipment is not insured.

"It means the cost of buying replacements runs into hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of pounds.

"Through this service, if the tack is stolen, we will be able to trace it back to its rightful owner."

The Mounted Section is based at stables in Kirkley Hall, Ponteland, and operates throughout the Northumbria Police Force area.

To request marking for equipment, call (01661) 820179.