Police are cracking the whip on equestrian related crime, pledging to keep horse lovers up to date with latest incidents in the area as part of a fresh initiative.

Home to the rolling Chiltern Hills south Bucks is popular amongst horse riders on the hunt for the perfect hack route.

However this makes the area a hot spot for equine crime; so Thames Valley Police launched Horsewatch to keep horse owners updated with the latest equestrian issues in the area.

Although the scheme already has over one thousand members police have pledged to move it forward and hope to attract new supporters to be part of a community horse watch scheme.

Similar to regular community schemes, the redesigned initiative will see crime prevention advice shared with its members to increase awareness of any crimes in the hope any stolen property will be returned to its owners.

Alert messages appealing for information about equine crimes will be sent out to members as well as invitations to events such as tack making and general safety messages.

Folders with an introduction leaflet covering how to protect horses, microchipping, and freeze marking and tack marking will be given out to encourage new people to join.

The welcome pack will also include a horse equipment identification document to store information in which can be shown to police should anything be stolen.

PC Kev Simmons, from the mounted police said: “I’m really impressed with the redesign of the Horsewatch brand, it gives it its own fresh identity.

“Hopefully this will encourage more people to join this great scheme, creating a community who will help each other more and will enhance the work we do in the policing world and improving the service we can offer.”

Police also said it is “essential” they work with horse owners and riders to improve safety and security and hope this scheme will increase awareness.

For more information about the scheme and to request a pack visit the Horsewatch website http://www.thamesvalleyhorsewatch.org.uk/