HORSE owners are being invited to a series of events to help fight equestrian-related crime.

Free tack marking sessions have been arranged across North Yorkshire to help people protect their tack from criminals.

Using sophisticated property marking technology, leather items can be marked with a unique number – deterring would-be thieves and making it much easier to reunite stolen property and secure convictions.

PC Hannah McPeake, of the force’s Rural Taskforce, said: “North Yorkshire is a very safe place, and thankfully levels of equestrian crime are very low. However, you can never be too careful, particularly when it comes to high-value tack.

“Alongside securing yards and outbuildings, marking items of property is one of the most effective ways of deterring criminals. Our property marking service is fast and free, so please make a note of the date of your nearest event and come along on the day.”

The tack marking events will take place at:

• Thursday, August 11, 6pm and 7.30pm, Ride-Away, Stillington Road, Sutton-on-the-Forest;

• Sunday, August 14, 11am and 2pm at R&R Country, Hull Road, Selby;

• Saturday, August 27, 11am and 2.30pm, BATA Robinsons Equestrian, Norton Road, Malton;

• Saturday, September 10, 11am and 2.30pm, BATA Country Store & Garden Centre, Raskelf Road, Easingwold;

• Saturday, October 1, 11am and 2.30pm, BATA Country Store, Bondgate, Helmsley;

• Sunday, October 2, between 11am and 2.30pm, BATA Country & Equestrian Store, Gate Helmsley, Stamford Bridge.

Horse owners and enthusiasts are also invited to follow the Horsewatch scheme on social media – via NYP Horsewatch on Facebook, and @NYP_Horsewatch on Twitter – so they can find out about future events and be made aware of any equestrian crimes in their area. To get in touch with the scheme, email horsewatch@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk