Tack Theft Beds

[rj]

Have received this from Beds Police but think there has been another since at same place - not sure:

Wilstead Saddlery, The Garden Centre, Bedford Road, Wilstead:
A report was recieved that Equestrian Equipment to a high value were stolen from the premises some time before 11:45pm on the 19th November.

The offenders may have been scouting the area for some days before carrying out the theft and any members who may have been in the area prior to, or on that date, are asked to check if you can remember any persons acting suspiciously. The offenders managed to make off with the equipment, which was stored in a Portakabin within the grounds, despite setting off the Burglar Alarm.

Any information - Please call the Police quoting Crime Reference Number: B/42590/2005.

IncRef: RM1314-0512-1787 (Burglary Other Building).

Offenders removed metal gates from hinges, smashed glass to gain entry and removed large amount of property, mostly clothing.

30 x headcollars, 5 x leather bridles, 15 boxes of childrens toggi boots, 18 toggi jackets(adult) 11 Adult body protectors, 4 pairs of Jodphurs, 3 toggi fleece sweatshirts.

No details of offenders or vehicles

[rj]

Also, on Monday 5 Dec 8.30pm intruders entered yard in Ickwell, Beds, & before being disturbed were able to steal one saddle. They threw items at the yard owners wife who was chasing them, & in order to avoid being trapped behind electric gates drove through them causing damage to the gates (& I hope their vehicle - tho come to think of it; won't have been 'theirs' wil lit?!)
Only description was blue vehicle as far as I know.

[mandy]

I have also heard of tack stolen before christmas from a yard in Old Warden, Beds so they are in the area again.
Also on the Wilstead Saddlery lead, I was told yesterday that this has in fact closed down and the owner moved abroad?

[rj]

Yes the Old Warden one is correct, just one saddle taken but very aggressive thieves. I feel they are also connected to the post-office/village shop raids in the county but don't know.
I hadn't heard about the saddlery, but wouldn't be surprised. You can only take so much of this sort of thing!
As long as people insist on a) leaving their tack & other expensive items at yards, b) not post-coding them(tho to be fair, some have been marked, & not yet turned up, but must be more difficult to dispose of) c) not being vigilant and noticing when there are suspicious people/vehicles in their vicinity, & reporting it, and d) buying cheap tack from dubious sources, the thieves will remain at large and very keen to carry on their extremely lucrative business.
No, it's not the victims fault, but we all have choices, and if that does not include taking responsibility for our own property, or being prepared to be active in prevention of crime, we really have to accept the consequences!!!