POLICE are cracking down on crime at stables and riding equipment stores after new figures revealed the scale of the problem.

Riding tack worth about £1,000 is stolen each week in North Yorkshire Police's eastern area, which stretches from the A1 to the coast.

Officers are now making personal visits to all horse owners across the area to give them crime prevention advice.

"We are averaging one burglary a week at stables and equipment stores," said Sergeant Peter Perkins, of Bedale police.

"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 at night, yet some people are protecting thousands of pounds worth of tack with nothing more than a £5 padlock on a rickety door."

The figures have led to the launch of Operation Stable Door across the eastern area.

Horse owners are invited to contact their local police station and an officer will visit and inspect their premises.

The officer will advise on the best equipment and techniques to keep out thieves and, if owners agree, record their details on a police database.

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

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

"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."

The campaign is being run with the assistance of Hambleton and Ryedale Community Safety Partnership.

"It is a classic example of the kind of projects that can happen when police and community work together," said Sgt Perkins.