Police appeal following £13,000 equestrian theft

Police are investigating the theft of £13,000 worth of equestrian equipment from a farm in Bellerby near Leyburn.

Between 9.30am and 12.20pm on Monday 25 July, the thieves broke into an out-building at Highfields Farm and took a number of saddles, bridles and tools.

Among the items stolen were:

• A brown Wow saddle with a silver name plate (not engraved) valued at £2,000,
• A brown Kent and Masters saddle valued at £750,
• A brown Stubben saddle valued at £1,500,
• A black Bates dressage saddle valued at £1,000,
• A black Bates Innova saddle valued at £1,600
• Two saddles by Bates and two saddles by Barnsby.

The thieves also stole several bridles by manufacturers Jeffries, Rambo Micklem, Sabre, Neve Schule and Elevator along with two pairs of horse clippers.

PC Nick Hill of the Operation Wagtail unit, based in Northallerton, is investigating the theft. He said: "The farm is in a remote, rural location and the thieves would have needed a vehicle to transport such a large haul of goods.

"I am appealing to anyone in the Bellerby and surrounding area to contact police if they saw any suspicious vehicles or people in the area on Monday morning, or in the days leading up to the theft.

"I am also appealing to the equestrian, farming and business communities to be on the look-out for any of the stolen items going on sale and to be on their guard if they are offered equestrian equipment for sale.

"Please contact the police if you are at all suspicious about any second-hand goods you are offered."

Anyone with any information about the theft, or offered equestrian goods for sale, is asked to contact PC Hill on 0845 60 60 24 7, quoting reference 12110123552.

2.50pm - 26 July 2011