The Wiltshire Horsewatch scheme, which is run by Wiltshire Police in partnership with members of the public, has received 100 new Horsewatch security signs from the British Horse Society (BHS).

The 100 signs will go to victims of crime, existing and new Horsewatch members across the county.

PCSO John Bordiss of the Rural Crime Team, said: “By displaying Horsewatch signs you inform people that you’re a member of an active Horsewatch scheme and you take security of property and horses seriously.

"We want to see new signs attached to fences, gates and buildings across Wiltshire and you can help us achieve this. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, links to both are on our Wiltshire Horse Watch website.”

Vicki Mace of Wickstead Farm near Calne recently received one of the new signs and said: “Wiltshire Police Rural Crime Team's innovative Horsewatch scheme has for many years successfully informed equestrian establishments of equestrian and rural crime related issues in the county.

“Wickstead Farm Equestrian Centre is very pleased to be part of this scheme and to be able to display the very visual and effective signs that Wiltshire Police Horsewatch Team has produced in conjunction with the British Horse Society. At a glance the signs give information and confidence to our clients and will hopefully act as a successful deterrent to crime at our centre.”

Affiliated to UK Horsewatch Alliance, the scheme is open to individual horse owners and large professional, competition and business yards. Wiltshire Horsewatch members receive updates on equine related thefts and suspicious incidents and are quickly alerted via text alerts and email.

Wiltshire Police Rural Crime Team also co-ordinates Farmwatch and together the two schemes have nearly 3000 contacts throughout the county, acting as 'eyes and ears' to help protect our rural and equine community. If you would like more information, please visit www.wiltshirehorsewatch.co.uk or email police co-ordinator PCSO John Bordiss at john.bordiss@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk

Alternatively you can join them on Facebook at Wiltshire Horsewatch.