Tack Theft in South Africa

Whilst saddle thefts became commonplace in 2016, we’ve seen some prosecution activity and police involvement in cracking down on syndicates. Despite everyone’s best efforts, we all know that when there are items of value available, theft is always going to be an issue. The thefts are often part of highly organised criminal syndicates who are experienced enough to know which brands are more valuable than others.

We take a look at some pointers for avoiding becoming a victim of crime:

1. Dont become complacent

Many of us have loyal grooms who have worked for us for many years and who we trust beyond measure. Unfortunately for some money can talk and occasionally buy their loyalty or for others, threats on themselves or their families can be enough to get them to cooperate. Ensure your check tack rooms are locked and armed, make sure you keep the only key and ensure all tack is present and correct and the time of closing every evening. Remove the responsibility for tack room security from your staff where possible. Do reference checks on all potential staff – don’t rely on a single referral.

2. Install Tack room security and implement stringent security measures

Everything from beams, CCTV cameras and smoke grenades have been used in tack rooms, and occasionally even the most intelligent security system can be bypassed by criminals. From a deterrent perspective, make it as difficult as possible for criminals or at least install sufficient to buy time should a break in be in progress and you require law enforcement to assist. Know when you may possibly be a target – if there is any suspicious activity – ie cut electric fences or alarms going off occasionally, rather be over cautious and assume it may be criminals testing the perimeter. Become stricter with gate access and who may enter or leave the premises.

3. Ensure all tack is Insured

In the event that tack my be stolen, ensure that it is at least insured in the event it will need to be replaced. The more security measures you have in place (CCTV etc) the better to show insurers that you’ve taken as many precautions as possible.

4. Create Awareness

If you are a victim of theft, report the crime to the nearest police station and obtain a case number (this will be required anyway for insurance claims). Make use of social media to alert other riders and members of the industry of a break in and the modus operandi (provided the police have not advised otherwise for investigation purposes). Provide a clear indication of the area and what was stolen in the event the saddles and tack appear elsewhere and people may be able to identify it.

5. Find a means to identify your tack

Often riders have similar tack and apparel making it difficult to identify who it belongs to. If possible, find a means to identify yours from others – whether it be a sticker, mark, engraving or some form of unique identification provided the items doesn’t already have a serial number. Make the identification mark inconspicuous so criminals wont know to remove it and people wont know to look for it unless indicated by someone reporting a theft.

Make use of platforms, such as this one (www.horsehub.co.za) to alert people of tack thefts and stolen items. It is a consolidated platform for people to view tack stolen from around the country in an effort to ensure any recovered saddles are returned to the rightful owners.