Horse & Tack Thieves Shropshire Area

[Broomcroft]

We've just had our horse tack cleared out by thieves. The last time this happened a few years ago, the thieves went around the whole of Shropshire, surrounding counties and into Wales. Quite a few have already been done this time, but I think it's only just started.

Also, we have a friend who has found little plaits/knots in some of her horses' manes. In case you aren't aware, this is done by thieves during the day so that when they come back, they know which horses have been chosen for theft.

[Duncan MacIntyre]

I do not know whether or not thieves mark horses by plaiting the mane. What I do know for certain is that horses are very very capable of plaiting each other's manes, sometimes quite convincingly. I do think that many people get all stressed about this thinking their horse has been marked for dastardly deeds when all that is happening is horseplay. Obviously care needs to be taken in localities where theft is likely, but I would not want everyone to be in a panic over natural occurrences.


Duncan

[ANDY S]

Something else to watch out for is unusual symbols chalked on gateposts etc.Its an old ploy from some,particularly "travellers".The symbols can have various meanings from "easy target"to "done before and worth doing again"or "dog on premises".The list is not endless but can cover a lot.
Andy