Thieves may take the last straw

Published 16 Jul 2010 16:00 0 Comments

HORSE owners and farmers are warned that a scarcity of hay and straw may make them targets for thieves.

Thames Valley Police (TVP) is advising people to ensure that their stocks are secure because of a 20-40% rise in the commodities' value due to low silage yields and a wet summer in 2008.

Helen Evans, Horse Watch liaison volunteer for TVP, said: "Although there have been no reported thefts of hay or straw in Wokingham so far this year, we want to warn the rural community to be aware.

"On June 30, 16 bales of hay were stolen from a field in North Yorkshire - offenders smashed a lock off the gate to a field. This could easily happen anywhere else in the country.

"With the possibility of hay and straw being in short supply, and therefore more expensive, in the coming months please think about ways of securing your hay, straw, bedding and forage."

She added: "Cutting the string of small-bale hay or straw will make it virtually impossible for anyone to walk off with it.

"Marking bales of haylage, bedding and feed with spray paint or permanent marker will make it identifiable and less attractive to thieves.

"Hay is a difficult commodity to secure in closed barns, due to its combustible properties, but securing the area around the buildings should be a priority, using the best technology you can afford.

"Use lockable, metal feed bins to store your bags of feed. Review your security now by imagining how easy or difficult it would be for someone else to gain access to your belongings, and take steps to make it more difficult for thieves to help themselves.

"Be wary of anyone calling on the 'off chance' or looking around the property. Take note of them and the registration number of any vehicle used. Tell police about anything you feel is suspicious.

"I recommend people in the rural areas of Wokingham sign up to Country Watch or Horse Watch schemes in their neighbourhoods."

Call the 24-hour police enquiry centre on 0845 8 505 505 to speak to a crime reduction adviser. Call the same number to speak to sign up to the Country Watch by speaking to co-ordinator Christine Seal.

Find out about the Horse Watch scheme via www.thamesvalleyhorsewatch.org.uk

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