Horse theft plot warning issued

Police are warning horse owners in the north-east of England of a suspected plot to steal their animals.

There have been several incidents of people photographing thoroughbreds and show-jumping horses in County Durham, Northumberland and Teesside.

Officers are concerned would-be thieves are building a dossier of horses which could later be stolen to order.

No reports of thefts have been made in the North East but a mare and foal were recently taken in North Yorkshire.

Det Con Fiona Laws, of Durham Police, said the force had received reports of two men taking pictures of horses in a field at Stainton, near Barnard Castle.

She said: "The men, who appeared to be eastern European, were driving a white van and a red 4x4 vehicle.

"This is consistent with other reports and in each case people have been seen photographing selected animals - thoroughbreds and show-jumpers."

The Wear and Tees Farm and Horse Watch group is also warning its members to be on their guard.