Three Horses Stolen From Field

Officers are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward after three horses were stolen from a field in Sturminster Newton.

The thoroughbred horses – an 11-year-old 15.3hh light bay mare, a three-year-old 16.2hh bay gelding and a two-year-old 16hh dark bay filly with a white left hind fetlock – were stolen from a field near Okeford Hill in Hazelbury Bryan between 5pm on Thursday 29 March and 6.30am on Friday 30 March 2012. 

All three horses are micro-chipped.

The mare is due to foal any day now and had a red halter around its head. 

Police Constable Julie Pearson, of Shaftesbury Police, said:

"I believe that the horses may have been led out of the field through a gate which is not locked since it is located along a public bridleway. It is possible that the horses were taken down a nearby track to the road where they were loaded into a lorry before being driven away. 

"I would like to speak with anyone who may have seen a lorry or other large transporter in the area overnight on 29 March. I am also keen to speak to anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the Okeford Hill area at the time of theft or anyone with information about those responsible.

"I would urge any livestock traders or auctioneers who believe they may have been offered the stolen horses to contact me as soon as possible.” 

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 30:161. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.