HORSE owners across North Yorkshire have been urged to double check their security and get involved with a police scheme.

The North Yorkshire Police Horsewatch scheme has been brought into the force's rural taskforce team, which includes PC Hannah McPeake who said the number of equestrian crimes across the county was low, but she had a personal reason for becoming involved.

She said: "As a horse owner myself I know how important and valuable your horse and all its equipment is. This is why I am involved in the scheme, as I am passionate about promoting equine security across the whole of North Yorkshire.

"You can’t be too careful and therefore preventing crime and deterring criminals is very important to us. We are encouraging all equestrian businesses and horse owners to check their yard security and think about how to protect their property."

The team is using dot peen property marking machines to mark saddles and bridles and add them to the national property register Immobilise, which will make them easier to identify if stolen and recovered, but could also deter criminals from stealing them. Almost two dozen items were marked at the team's first event earlier this month, and future events are already planned at at livery yards, feed stores and equestrian shops across North Yorkshire.

PC McPeake said urged anyone interested in finding out more about the team to check the Facebook and Twitter pages, which also include information on the latest incidents, crime prevention tips, and advice on staying safe while riding.

She said: "We are encouraging people to follow these sites so that they can see what events we are organising and also to make them aware of any crimes so they can be extra vigilant. The Facebook page is NYP Horsewatch and the Twitter page is @NYP_HorseWatch "We are also encouraging people to sign up to the scheme as a volunteer in their area. As a member of the scheme we will keep you updated on any incidents using the new North Yorkshire Community Messaging system. We would like people to start reporting any suspicious vehicles they may see whilst out riding or anyone that may be acting suspiciously around their yard. We want the equestrian community to be the eyes and ears of the police in North Yorkshire."

To find out more, email horsewatch@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk