HORSE owners are being urged to be on their guard as fears heighten that a suspicious white van could be involved in a plot to steal to order.

Russell Claydon

HORSE owners are being urged to be on their guard as fears heighten that a suspicious white van could be involved in a plot to steal to order.

One horse has already been taken from Burgh St Peter, just over the border into Norfolk, with police having had various unconfirmed reports today that a number of horses have already been stolen in the Suffolk area but said as yet there is no foundation to them.

There have also been unconfirmed reports that horses have been taken from just over the border in Norfolk.

Essex police said the reports of men taking pictures of the animals in fields from a white van had also been recorded in their county.

Peter Caulfield, the secretary of the Essex Horsewatch scheme, said: “There has been a white van and a 4x4 seen around the area taking photographs of horses and we have received an e-mail this morning saying six horses have been stolen in Staffordshire.

“There is currently no evidence to show this has happened and it could be just someone has sparked up a rumour. However we are asking horse owners to be extra vigilant, particularly if they keep their horses in a field because the belief is these guys will be stealing to order.”

He added: “The van we know is currently the subject of police checks.

“Owners of coloured horses are likely to be particularly vulnerable because they have a value. They are very saleable and obviously the tack thefts are still an issue as they are extremely valuable.”

More to follow on this website soon.