Dyfed-Powys Police is urging horse owners to report any suspicious activity following several incidents in the force area.

It’s believed that horses are being targeted by dedicated horse thieves who put a plait in a horse's tail or mane as a way of identifying it, then return later to steal it.

Police say this method helps thieves locate the horse in question – especially if it’s in a field with others.

Police are advising owners to take colour photographs of their horse from all angles in summer and winter and to keep the negatives or digital images safe.

If the horse has a particular mark or scar, it should be photographed separately, making sure it is clear where on the animal the mark is. Marks, whorls etc should be marked on a suitable diagram, which should be kept in a safe place and carried at all times when the horse is in transit. Horses can also be security marked with freeze marking or a Microchip implant Police recommend that owners ensure fields and yards are properly secured and check their horse at least twice daily at varying times. Head-collars or lead ropes should not be left dangling at the gate as this could help thieves.

In a separate incident in Carmarthenshire, leather saddles and other horse riding equipment was stolen from a stables in the Llandybie area sometime between 5pm on November 17th and 11:00am the following day.

"Dyfed-Powys Police would also like to remind members of the public to take basic security measures to protect their property," said a spokesman.

"To ensure they know the origin of any second-hand equine equipment they may be offered for sale such as tack , saddles or trailers. In addition, if they see anything suspicious or have doubts about equipment offered for sale, they should phone their nearest police station on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.