The owner of a riding school has warned that travelling thieves are operating in Bradford district after thousands of pounds of tack and livery was stolen from her stables.

Vicky Walker, who runs Salter Royd Equestrian Centre in Shay Lane, Wilsden, said hers was the latest business to be hit in a spate of thefts in Sandy Lane, Wilsden, Eldwick and Oxenhope over the past few weeks.

Specialist police based in Bingley, who deal with horse-related crime are investigating the break-in after burglars smashed open the locks on safe boxes at the stables at Salter Royd.

The thieves then made off with six saddles – worth between £700 and £800 each – 17 bridles and two sets of horse clippers.

Mrs Walker said: “The same night, there was a break-in at a place in Sandy Lane and the Sunday before, at two places in Wilsden and also in Eldwick and Oxenhope.

“It is not a case of if they will come, it is when they will come. It happens most years and people need to realise that unless they lock tack in their houses, anyone can take it.”

In May, Bingley Neighbourhood Policing team launched a Horse Watch scheme, with a dedicated officer to combat horse-related crime.

Horse Watch co-ordinator PC Cath Gallimore said horse owners should make sure they lock stables securely, mark property or install alarms following the recent spate of thefts.

Anyone who owns a stables is encouraged to make sure kite marked security bolts and locks are fitted and consider installing lighting to deter thieves and CCTV. Police also recommend that equipment is marked with a post code using a UV pen, permanent marker or a DNA type marking solution.

PC Gallimore said: “Good quality saddles and bridles are most often the target for criminals and having them stolen can cause the most distress and inconvenience to owners.”

A police spokesman confirmed that an investigation was underway into the break-in at Salter Royd stables, which happened overnight between Sunday November 29 and Monday November 30.

Anyone with information should contact PC Gallimore on (01274) 475331.

e-mail: marc.meneaud @telegraphandargus.co.uk.