Police have sounded a recruiting call for riders keen to pull the reins in on crooks to mount up and join them at a free security session this weekend.
The Herts Police rural operational support squad will team up with the Abbots Langley Safer Neighbourhood Team to meet horse owners and offer free saddle security marking.
Officers will also be on hand to offer crime prevention advice and talk to people about any issues or concerns they have in their local area.
You’ll be able to find them Highwood Hall Lane Farm Equestrian Centre in Bedmond Road, Abbots Langley on Saturday morning between 10am and noon – the venue’s postcode is HP3 8SJ.
During the sessions, saddles will be stamped with a Hertfordshire Constabulary mark and a unique reference number, which is then registered on a database.
If the saddle is stolen and then recovered by police, it is easier to return it to its rightful owner.
Saddle marking also makes it difficult for thieves to sell on stolen saddles.
The force’s rural operational support squad is a team of police officers specialised in dealing with crimes concerning rural and agricultural issues, wildlife, the local environment and the county’s heritage.
They also deal with traveller liaison issues, support local Safer Neighbourhood Teams and intervention officers, and can investigate any crimes including badger baiting, hare coursing, the theft of red diesel, nighthawking, stolen plant equipment, criminal damage and the theft of metal from historic buildings.