Horse owners warned after spate of rug thefts in Yorkshire

Horse owners in West Yorkshire have been warned after thieves have been stealing rugs from horses out in fields.

Police are appealing for information after receiving a number of reports of rug theft.

Bradford South Horsewatch co-ordinator Julie Hansord is calling on owners to be extra vigilant.

“These thieves are looking for easy opportunities to remove these items with a view to selling them on,” she said.

“Some of the rugs have been marked with postcodes and have been secured to the horse with a padlock, but they are still being removed.

“I recently received a report from one Bradford Horsewatch member who has had 11 rugs taken.

“If you are offered a horse rug, please check for any markings and contact the police it you believe the circumstances to be suspicious. And I would suggest that where possible, owners regularly monitor their horses if they rely upon the use of a rug.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 6060606 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

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