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Notice
Board STOLEN IW 505 Trailer Two tone green, from Dalbeattie, Dumfries and Galloway, 13/14th
December Completely reconditioned, new side
panels, recycled plastic floor, specially adapted with pens and rear gates
for travelling Shetland show ponies. Trailer was parked with hitch lock
on. No picture. Incident number PDG 0700321211 Contact PC Jodie Stewart 2503 at Dalbeattie 0845 600 5701
Thousands of pounds worth of horse related equipment is
stolen every year. There is a huge market in second hand tack and this
encourages thieves to steal the property to get a quick cash return for their
troubles.
The tack
room and other outbuildings often have poor security standards. This may seem
surprising when you consider that the average value of a saddle is around
£1,000, or considerably more if it is handmade or made to measure.
Most
saddles have their own unique manufacturer’s number but these are rarely
recorded by the owner. If saddles and other ancillary equipment are not marked
then identifying them is virtually impossible.
Our
crime prevention advice can easily, and often cheaply, be used to deter
would-be tack thieves.
Yard &
Paddock Security
In the
majority of cases where animals have been stolen or attacked, the crime was
possible because of poor perimeter security.
As with
any form of site security, you should start with the perimeter and work your
way towards the centre. This is especially relevant with horse crime because it
is the safety of the animal which is of paramount importance. The following
points should be considered:
Fencing
Fencing
should be seen as the first line of defence. Three of
four strands of wire may be enough to stop the animal escaping but it would
only take three snips with wire cutters to create an exit wide enough to remove
your horse.
The same
fence but with sheep netting makes creating the same opening a different
proposition. A well made post and rail fence is even better and a fence which
incorporates a thick prickly hedge is the ideal.
Gates
Gates
are often the weakest part of the perimeter and need careful consideration
(field gates themselves are valuable and often stolen). The metal variety is
more secure.
Gate
posts should be securely cemented into the ground. Gate hinges need to have the
tops burred over or welded to prevent the gate being lifted off. The gate
should be kept padlocked at all times.
A good
heavy duty chain (motorcycle security chains can be useful) and the best
quality, close shackled padlocks (to resist bolt croppers) should be used.
Alarm
Alarm
equipment designed for the countryside is available and can increase perimeter
security. It is particularly useful for gateways, gaps between buildings and
paths.
Stable
Yard
Stables,
tack rooms and outbuildings make up the average stable yard that the rural
criminal will target. They are targeted because they are often sited in fairly
remote locations and are frequently left unattended for long periods.
Most of
the above points regarding perimeter security can also be used to the yard. The
yard will ideally have its own perimeter protection, including locked gates.
Preventing unauthorised people easily entering and leaving a yard will go a
long way towards preventing theft or damage.
Stable
& Tack Room Security
Stables
and/or tack rooms are commonly built of wood, often only a little more robust
than a large garden shed. This is a crucial factor to consider when it comes to
its security.
Rarely
does a brick built stable block get broken into, whereas wooden ones are
regularly entered through doors, windows, walls and occasionally even the roof.
This does not have to be the case. The following points may prevent it from
happening:
Walls
The
walls and roof of a wooden stable and the tack room in particular can be
reinforced by adding a lining a weld mesh or steel reinforcing grid (as used to
reinforce cement floors) to the inside.
The
lining, in addition to being attached to the walls and roof, should be welded
or wired together to form an internal cage. If necessary the mesh can be hidden
beneath internal wall cladding. This is surprisingly easy to do and will
considerably add to the security of the building.
Windows
Windows
should be kept to a minimum, particularly in the tack room where, if possible,
have no windows at all. Where windows are necessary, the glazing should be of a
polycarbonate material or laminated glass. Consideration should be given to
fitting grills or bars as added protection.
Doors
Doors
are the most common entry point into a tack room for the criminal. This is
because they are usually secured with poor quality padlocks and a hasp and
staple (also known as a pad bar) which is simply screwed into the woodwork and
relatively easy to remove.
Ideally
the tack room door will be robust enough (a minimum of 44mm thick) to
accommodate a five lever mortise lock. When buying a mortise lock always choose
one which carries the British Standard 3621 or look for the ‘kite mark’. Aim to
have two locks, fitted equal distances from top and bottom.
Padlock
Use
Where
padlocks are used they should be closed shackle type. This is to prevent bolt
cropping and they should also be used with a security grade pad bar. This
should be attached using long bolts, not wood screws. The bolts need to go
through a metal backing plate on the inside of the door and wall.
If the
door is outward opening the hinges may be exposed and open to attack. Where
this is the case hinge bolts need to be fitted next to each hinge. This is a
device designed to stop the door being forced open by removing or damaging the
hinges and forcing the door out of the frame on that side.
Remember
that any door is only as strong as the frame it is fitted into. You might have
to reinforce the frame before you improve the locks. If this is the case, visit
a police station and speak to a crime reduction officer or your local
locksmith.
Alarms
& Lighting
Where
possible make full use of modern electronic security aids. Modern alarm systems
are reasonably priced – particularly when you compare it with the value of the
property it is protecting – they are simple to use, reliable and a proven
deterrent against crime.
Alarms
Alarm systems
are used in two ways. The first and cheapest is to use what is called a bells only system, which when activated makes a loud noise
in and around the premises to be protected. This often includes flashing lights
as well as the sound and relies on the criminal being frightened away by the
noise and the fact that anyone hearing it will call the police. In most cases,
providing there is someone living within earshot, this is an effective
deterrent.
Unfortunately
stables are often in remote areas and it is obvious that the alarm will not be
heard. Under these circumstances the second kind of alarm should be installed.
This is a called remotely monitored system. It is similar to the one described
above but is linked to a telephone, mobile phone or radio to a professionally
run monitoring station who respond by calling the police should it activate.
Due to the costs involved in providing the link to the monitoring station and
the annual cost of the monitoring, it is a more expensive option.
There
are also do-it-yourself systems available. Some of these can be programmed to
transmit an alarm call to designated telephone numbers through a concealed
mobile phone and battery. Such systems can be invaluable on sites with no mains
power or telephone line.
A trip
to a local security specialist or even a home furnishing store will reveal a
whole range of equipment. When buying alarm equipment you should ensure that it
meets the relevant British Standard BS4737 for professionally installed systems
of BS6707 for DIY systems.
Lighting
While
security lighting will not have the same deterrent value of an alarm system it
is still a valuable aid to security and will certainly send some would-be
thieves elsewhere. On the other hand activations from animals and birds must be
expected.
A good
lighting system will be made up of powerful halogen lighting units which are
activated by a Passive Infrared Detectors (PIR) when movement is detected
within the target area. The lights will stay on for a predetermined time before
resetting. A photo electric cell prevents the lights activating during
daylight. In addition, it is sometimes possible to connect the PIRs to a bell
or buzzer which can act as a deterrent during daylight.
PIRs can
be incorporated into existing external lighting to produce a similar, if not as
startling effect. Security lighting normally requires mains power but other
sources such as battery or solar power is available for more isolated sites.
Horse
Security
Freeze-marking
This is
a form of branding which permanently marks the animal with a unique code.
Unlike the traditional hot brand, this method is far less traumatic for the
animal and the end result is usually more visible. This is an excellent visible
deterrent against theft and a sure method of identification should the animal
be stolen. There are several companies who offer a freeze branding service.
Electronic
Tagging
An
electronically identifiable tag implanted into the animal by a vet. The tag can
be read by scanning the animal with an electronic reader. Several companies
offer this service and your local veterinary practice will be able to advise
you where to go.
The
negative aspect of this kind of tagging is that the reader used by one company
will not detect a tag used by another company and the police will not have
direct access to a reader.
Hoof
Branding
This is
a method of branding a postcode into the front of your horse’s hooves. This can
act as a deterrent and a means of identification. It is easily carried out by
your farrier two or three times a year.
Branding
irons need to be tailor made. The negative side is that they are not always
visible, the hooves invariably being covered in mud and as the hoof grows it
needs re-branding.
Photographs
and Records
Good
photographs of a horse will always help to recover it if it is stolen.
Photographs should be clear and show details of colour
patterns and an idea of height. It may be necessary to keep more than one
photograph.
A
diagrammatic record of the animal should also be kept which will show details
of relevant marks such as head, neck and other whorls, acquired marks and
scars.
Tack
Security
There
are many products on the market that offer security for tack. This can be
either physical marking such as post-coding, target hardening such as locking
the saddle to its rack or by target removal, such as hiding or locking it out
of sight.
Tack
Marking
The
simplest method is to have the tack post-coded. This involves stamping the
postcode, along with the house number or initials of the name, into the
leather. Metal items can be engraved with the same details. This can be done by
arrangement with the local police station. It is also possible to have
saddles electronically tagged but this can be problematic due to the amount of
companies offering the service.
Saddle
Locks
There
are several devices available which physically lock the saddle to its rack in
the tack room. These are a good deterrent, particularly if the tack room itself
is secure. Additionally tack safes are available. These are made from galvanised steel and can be bolted to a wall or inside a
horsebox.
Trailer/Horsebox
Security
Wheel
Clamps
Wheel
clamps are a good cost effective way to secure your trailer when left
overnight. They are widely available from a variety of motoring retailers or
caravan outlets.
Tow
Hitch Locks
These
are another cost effective deterrent and again they are widely available.
Post
Coding
Post
coding the chassis and other metal parts of a horsebox or trailer is a simple
and cheap method of identification. This can be done with the same stamping
equipment that most police stations use to code pedal cycles.
Mona Parr
Dalvaddie
Halleaths
Lockerbie
DG11 1LS
Email: Mparr2001@aol.com
Dumfries and
Crime Prevention Officers
Ask for officer who covers your area