Drivers targeted in horse crime crackdown

Drivers who pass horses and their riders too close or too fast will be targeted as part of a crackdown on equine crime, a police force has said.

Operation Gallop would focus on issues affecting horse owners and riders as part of a national week of action, according to West Yorkshire Police.

As part of the operation, equestrians would be encouraged to sign up to the force's Horsewatch scheme, which had seen the number of horses reported stolen falling from 65 to seven in the 15 years since its introduction, a spokesperson said.

Officers would also visit stables to advise on preventing horsebox theft, which Shaun Taylor, the force's wildlife crime officer, said was "an increasing problem".

"This includes keeping a record of the serial numbers and any custom markings on the trailer, as well as forensically marking them," Mr Taylor said.

"With the increasing use of police drones, owners can also consider putting some kind of marking on top of the box that will make it stand out when viewed from above."

Mr Taylor said the week of action was also intended to "educate road users about how to safely pass horses on the roads".

"Drivers should slow down to a maximum of 10mph and allow a two metre distance when passing. They should then drive slowly away once safely past," he added.

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