Tack Theft Scheme 100% Successful

MORE than two years after the launch of a police campaign using SelectaDNA to deter the theft of horse equipment from stables across Shropshire, there have been ZERO thefts of marked items reported.

The scheme was launched in July 2008 by West Mercia Police following a dramatic increase in the theft of horse tack in the Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin areas, which totalled more than £80,000 worth of stolen gear in just 12 months.

The ‘Tack Theft Awareness’ campaign was initiated by Telford’s Safer & Stronger Communities Partnership, and included a number of public events showcasing anti-theft devices including the latest in forensic marking products, SelectaDNA.
 
PC Fred Jones, Telford Police's Crime Risk Officer, who organised the events, said:  “SelectaDNA is a revolutionary product that is one of the most secure forensic marking systems available today. It comes in liquid form as a safe, non-toxic water-based adhesive with a unique forensic code.”

Property such as saddles, bridle gear, leather harnesses and helmets can be marked with the liquid, which dries invisible within a minute. If a marked item is stolen and later recovered, traces of the liquid will show up under ultra-violet light and, because of the unique forensic code, the property can then be traced back to its rightful owner. SelectaDNA can also link offenders to specific crimes.

PC Jones said: "Tack theft is still happening locally but on a much lesser scale, and there have been no thefts of marked tack equipment reported since we started recommending the use of SelectaDNA more than two years ago.”

Members of the public have been warned not to buy riding equipment from anyone they do not know or from someone who is unable to prove where the equipment has come from.

“If anyone does become suspicious about someone who is offering to sell them riding tack, please contact the police so we can investigate whether the property is being sold illegally," advised PC Jones.