The Aims of Essex Horsewatch

Who We Are: Like most Horsewatch Schemes, we are volunteers - mostly horse owners - who want to make a positive contribution to equine crime prevention. We have coordinators across the county, who disseminate information to and from their members and who can offer help to victims of Equine crime. Essex Horsewatch is fortunate to have had the backing of all the Essex Police Chief Constables since our formation sixteen years ago. Essex Horsewatch is now firmly part of the police 'Family' and there are Force Policies in place to ensure that we are included in equine crime investigations.  The police are represented on the Management Committee by three Crime Prevention/Reduction Officers and input from the  Mounted Unit. The committee meets every other month at the Police Headquarters in Chelmsford, .

What We Do: Details of all equine crime in the county is reported to us by Essex police. We then ensure that the information is circulated county-wide and nationally.   When necessary, we can also initiate 'All Ports Warnings' to alert Customs at all UK borders to look out for stolen property/horses.   We also liaise with the crime victims to offer support and advice. Our Crime Prevention Officers can also arrange for on-site security surveys to be carried out.

What Our Aims Are: Essex Horsewatch was formed to assist the police in the fight against Equine Crime. Our principal aims are: To develop a network of communication, so that the police and owners of equines can act swiftly on information received. To disseminate details of local and national equine crime, as appropriate To provide support and assistance for victims of equine crime. To provide owners of equines with security advice so that they can safeguard their property. To arrange marking sessions for horses, tack and trailers, by approved methods, that conform to police policy To participate in the national network between Forces, so as to assist in locating stolen property. To support and participate in the National Horsewatch Alliance

If you would like to join Essex Horsewatch, or if you would like to be involved as a coordinator for your area, please email us at admin@essexhorsewatch.org.uk