Distinctive horse-box and saddles stolen from riding stables: Astley
(M29 - Thursday, 12 November, 2009)

A high-value horse box and saddles have been stolen from a riding stables in Wigan.

Between 7pm on Wednesday 4 November 2009 and 4.45am the following day, offenders broke into the Moss Brook Arena, Lower Green Lane, Astley.

The stolen horse box is described as :

• Bedford
• registration H756 SWU
• coloured maroon with a maroon stripe
• EMMA WRAY signwriten on the side

The stolen saddles, worth in excess of £2,000 each, are described as:

• a brown Devoucoux Chiberta sports saddle
• an Amerigo brown leather saddle

PC Richard Oliver, based at Wigan police station, said:

"This is very upsetting for the owner of the stables, as well as the riding enthusiasts who use it.

"This was a brazen break-in overnight in which they stole a horse box, saddles and other riding equipment worth several thousand pounds.

"They clearly knew what they were looking for.

"The items stolen are specialist and will not be of much use to the wider community.

"I now want to hear from anyone who has been offered riding equipment in suspicious circumstances to get in touch.

"Also, I believe the offenders must have drawn attention to themselves in some way - to steal this amount of equipment would have taken some time and effort."

Anyone with information is asked to call Wigan police on 0161 856 7329.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Moss Brook Arena
Lower Green Lane
Astley
Tydesley
Lancashire
M29