As equine crime rises, rural insurers NFU Mutual has launched its Country Crime Fighters Awards 2014 to help prevent thefts.
H&H recently has reported on several high-profile break ins, including to dressage rider Sarah Turner and Olympic eventer Vittoria Panizzon.
NFU Mutual told H&H it was seeing hauls of up to £30,000 worth of tack being stolen from competition and livery yards — the highest amounts since 2011.
Now the company has launched a cash fund of up to £6,500 for people who help prevent equestrian crime.
The awards will help to recognise and celebrate unsung rural heroes by providing them with financial and practical support to help fund anti-crime initiatives.
All people have to do is visit www.nfumutual.co.uk/crimefighters and tell the insurer in 300 words or less why they or their community group deserve to win an award and how they have helped to reduce crime in their local area.
The categories for 2014 are:
- Crime Prevention using social media
- Equestrian crime prevention
- Farm crime prevention
- Local community crime prevention
- Wildlife crime prevention
- Rural business crime prevention
- Crime prevention using technology
The national winner will receive a trophy and a cheque for £1,500. Regional winners will receive a trophy and £500.
Nominations can be submitted online at the Country Crime Fighters webpage and closing on the 11 August.
To enter online visit: www.nfumutual.co.uk/crimefighters
