Police and Horsewatch groups warn yards about skip scam
Police and Horsewatch groups are warning yards to be wary of cut-price services after an apparent muck disposal scam.
People in counties including Wilts, Berks, Northants, Somerset and Hants report paying for a skip to remove their equestrian waste that has never arrived.
The company offers an “equine waste recycling service” to supply muck skips and empty them for 12 months for a cut-price fee.
Richard O’Neill Kemp from Glebe Farm Equestrian Centre, Northants, said: “I got an email, but was wary as it sounded very reasonable, so I called them.
“They said [the muck] would be sold on for biofuel and compost, so I paid £400.
“That was more than a month ago and still no skip. I’ve contacted the police and the company, who said I’d get a refund, but I’m yet to see any money.”
Jan Tupper from Arniss Equestrian in Fordingbridge, Hants, told H&H she fell victim to the scam in October.
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“We received a flyer, paid £600 and ordered one skip, which was delivered, but no one came back to empty it,” she said.
“We took the company to court in March and won, but have seen no money.”
Another victim, who asked not to be named, said: “We ordered a skip and it all seemed legitimate. We paid around £800 for two skips, one arrived.
“This was in April. I asked for a refund but the cheque bounced. I’ve taken it to the police.”
Wiltshire Police is urging any other victims to get in touch to help with the case. The company could not be contacted for comment.
If you have concerns, contact your local police force, tel: 101.
This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (21 June 2012)
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A graduate of Exeter University, Amy joined our news team from Redpin Publishing in 2008 as news writer. She was promoted to deputy news editor in May 2013 and became news editor in April 2015. She left Horse & Hound in March 2016 to take up an editorial position in Dubai.