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Shropshire Police officers today issued an appeal to horse and stable owners to ensure their properties were secure after a large amount of riding tackle was stolen from a village near Market Drayton.

Although tack thefts remain relatively unusual in the county, when they happen they tend to happen in spates and people are urged to take steps to reduce the risk of their premises being targeted.

Between about 8.20pm on Wednesday July 28 and yesterday and 7.15am yesterday, a stables in Ollerton was broken into an upwards of 14 saddles and 20 bridles stolen.

A white Ford Transit-style van had been seen in the area and around Hinstock and Childs Ercall on at least two occasions in the weeks leading up to the theft, the occupants of which had asked various people about scrap metal but also showed interest in some horses in a field.

It is not know whether the vehicle is connected but police are keen to hear from anyone who might have seen or heard anything they consider to have been suspicious in the area recently to contact them on 0300 333 3000.

Anyone who is offered riding equipment for sale 'on the cheap' or under otherwise dubious circumstances is also asked to get in touch. Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where a reward is sometimes offered.

Police Constable Steve Cummings, who is investigating the recent theft, urged people to be aware and take all steps they could to secure their stables and outhouses and reduce the risk of a break-in.

"While tack thefts remain relatively rare, they can often occur in spates so police would urge people to be alert and take the necessary precautions to help safeguard their property," he said.

"Horse riding tackle can be a target for thieves but owners can significantly reduce their chances of becoming a victim by making their items harder to steal and easy to identify.

"Store property in a secure building with a strong, locked door, ideally fitted with British Standard locks, quality locking bars and high security padlocks. Remember to always lock buildings up when not in use.

"Consider fitting an intruder alarm and ensure your property is well covered with security lighting. Thieves don't like well lit areas so fit lights with timers or movement sensors.

"You can protect windows with metal bars and, if possible, keep more valuable items locked in a building close to your house where you can keep an eye on it."

PC Cummings added that marking property made it unique and therefore less attractive to steal as they are much harder to sell on.

Marking property also means it can be traced back to the rightful owner and irrefutably linked to a crime scene.

"Consider painting, branding or etching your postcode where it can be seen and can't be removed. There are also a range of commercial property identification systems available to buy, which can be effective," said PC Cummings.

For more information about securing your property, visit our website at www.westmercia.police.uk or www.securedbydesign.com.