NORTH Yorkshire police have warned horse owners to be on their guard after reporting that £1,000 worth of tack is being stolen from stables and equine equipment stores across the force's eastern area every week.

In operation Stable Door, police officers across the area, which stretches from Bedale to Filey, are making personal visits to horse owners to give on-the-spot crime prevention advice.

Sgt Peter Perkins, commander of Bedale police area, said: "Across the area we are averaging one burglary a week at stables and equipment stores.

"In many cases the criminals are virtually strolling into tack rooms and stores because the owners have left them defenceless. You wouldn't leave your car unlocked all night, yet some people are protecting thousands of pounds worth of tack with nothing more than a £5 padlock on a rickety door".

Horse owners are invited to contact their local police station and a local officer will come round and inspect their premises, advise on the best equipment and techniques to keep out the thieves and, if owners agree, record their details on a police database.

Sgt Perkins said: "It helps our efforts enormously if we know who owns valuable equipment which might attract criminals.

"It makes it easier for us to keep an eye on premises and also means we can find remote buildings or stables that much quicker if we are called out in a hurry."

Officers can advise on a range of techniques for protecting valuable tack, ranging from locks, lights and alarms to postcoding and "psychological warfare" techniques such as making it very clear that premises are well guarded.

"These visits carry the added bonus that they allow residents to make personal contact with one of their own local officers, and that is always a good thing," added Sgt Perkins.

The campaign is operating with the help of the Hambleton and Ryedale Community Safety Partnership