Have any horsey people in the South-east heard this warning?

[Pixel]

My sister forwarded this text on to me:-

'Sent to me from my old yard manager. There have been 3 sightings of 2 suspicious men with eastern european accents photographing local horses. This could be a steal to order gang. The men have been seen at shows events and even in a horse owner's field taking pics. They have been seen in a white van reg N 253 XAJ and red land cruiser. Police are treating this as suspicious so please contact them urgently if you see anything. Please pass on this message.'

I haven't had a chance to speak to my sister about this yet but am assuming it was passed on from one of her work colleagues (she works for a vet and most of the staff have horses). I'm posting it here because I'd feel awful if someone had a horse stolen and I hadn't said anything, however I do wonder if the police have the registration surely they would have traced it? I'll try and find out a bit more about it but just wondered if anyone else had heard about this?

Eeek no I work on a yard in E Sussex, will mention it to Yard Manager

I've had that text forwarded to me as well - i'm up in yorkshire. TBH i'm treating more like a spam,can't imagine the Police being that interested - we have travellers stealing water constantly and they toild us they weren't interested at all.
Mine are hopefully well enough locked in their field but i do think it's one of these fake panic everyone messages.

Copied from the Hampshire Horsewatch forum on www.nfed.co.uk

To All Equine Owners
June 1 2008 at 1:43 PM HHW

----------------

Many of you will be aware of e mails and text messages circulating concerning reports of 2 men of East European appearance allegedly taking photographs of horses possibly with the intent of stealing.

The initial and original reports concerning two vehicles being seen with 2 men of East European appearance originated from Derbyshire/ Nottingham area.

The vehicles are a White Van registration number N253 XAJ & Red Land cruiser registration number B16 RBB

It is not confirmed or established what these men were doing or concerned in. Their activity is suspicious only and this is what needs to be explained.

As a result of the interest in the vehicles lines of enquiry are being undertaken.

The information was circulated via the Horsewatch network which through e mail and texting now covers virtually the UK. It would appear that as the information is passed on the senders have distorted and misrepresented it through their interpretation and this has been the cause of alarm and concern.

What is now happening is that anyone seen in "suspicious" circumstances near a horse is automatically East European when this is not the case. Unless the two vehicles are physically seen and registration number taken then there is no confirmation. Again a sighting of a white van or red car does mean it is the vehicles circulated but rumour and suggestion merely exasperates the situation.

In this day and age we should all be aware of what goes on around us. Information circulated by Horsewatch Alliance is at times supplied from police sources and is aimed to inform and advise in order that members of the equine community can take steps to reduce, prevent crime as well as assist in detecting crime.

I hope this helps clarify the situation.

As always remain vigilant and report anything you consider suspicious. Community information is very important in trying to reduce, prevent and detect crime.

Hampshire Constabulary telephone number is 0845 045 45 45

In an emergency call 999

Regards - David

DI 23003 David Collings
Serious and Organised Crime Unit & Force Equine Liaison Officer

Mobile 07867 972868

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There has been alot about horse thieves on a horse website I go on in the essex area also.