Following a national increase in the theft of tack from stables and outbuildings, Carmarthenshire police are issuing the following advice to horse owners:

* Property - Mark items with an ultra-violet pen; mark saddles and other leather items with a metal stamp or scorch mark; stirrups can be metal stamped; there is a saddle rack on the market that can be locked; make a list of your property and take photographs for identification purposes.

* Buildings - Ensure buildings are secure and have a good quality short shackled lock; shed alarms can be bought for under £20, and are easy to fit; if the building has no doors, create an internal cage, fastened to interior walls and again fit a good quality lock; it is worth making your property secure as this may well affect any insurance claim.