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

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

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

As part of the police Horsewatch scheme, in the coming months officers will be at various venues offering the free service.

PC Hannah McPeake 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.”

Sessions will include Ride-Away, Sutton-on-the-Forest, 6pm-7.30pm on August 11; BATA Robinsons Equestrian, Malton, 11am-2.30pm on August 27; BATA Country Store, Easingwold, 11am-2.30pm on September 10; and BATA Country Store, Helmsley, 11am-2.30pm on October 1.