Horse owners in West Yorkshire have been warned after thieves have been stealing rugs from horses out in fields.
Police are appealing for information after receiving a number of reports of rug theft.
Bradford South Horsewatch co-ordinator Julie Hansord is calling on owners to be extra vigilant.
“These thieves are looking for easy opportunities to remove these items with a view to selling them on,” she said.
“Some of the rugs have been marked with postcodes and have been secured to the horse with a padlock, but they are still being removed.
“I recently received a report from one Bradford Horsewatch member who has had 11 rugs taken.
“If you are offered a horse rug, please check for any markings and contact the police it you believe the circumstances to be suspicious. And I would suggest that where possible, owners regularly monitor their horses if they rely upon the use of a rug.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 6060606 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.
