Two men arrested and tack to be returned to owners after series of thefts
EM78M5 Police car in front of ambulance and fire engine emergency services. Image shot 04/2015. Exact date unknown.
Two men have been arrested after a series of burglaries and theft of horse tack and equipment – some of which has been found and will be returned to its owners.
Dorset Police rural crime team officers stopped a vehicle in the Bournemouth area on 1 April and arrested two of its occupants on suspicion of theft.
A spokesperson for police said it was reported that a stable in West Parley was broken into between Saturday and Sunday, 22 and 23 March, and saddles and rugs were stolen. At about 11.40am on the Sunday, it was reported, riding hats, tack, headcollars and saddles were stolen from a storage unit in the Winterborne Zelston area. Police had a report of equipment being stolen from a shed in the Corfe Mullen area on the Sunday afternoon, and two of suspicious activity, in the Sherborne and Weymouth areas later that afternoon and evening, although it is believed nothing was stolen in these two incidents.
“Following enquiries by officers from the rural crime team, two men aged in their 20s and from Bournemouth were arrested on suspicion of theft,” the Dorset Police spokesperson said.
A spokesperson for the rural crime team said the arrests came after its investigation into the offences.
“With assistance from Bournemouth North NPT officers, post-arrest searches were conducted and the vehicle suspected to have been used in these offences was located and seized,” he said. “Stolen horse tack from the two burglaries and one theft was also located and will be returned to their rightful owners in due course.
“The rural crime team is also urging equestrians and livery yards to remain vigilant and has been carrying out visits to yards in the area to officer security advice.”
The men have been interviewed and bailed from police custody while officers carry out further enquiries.
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