Operation Gallop: Thank You to The Devon and Cornwall Police Rural Affairs Team
We are so grateful to officers from Devon and Cornwall Police Rural Affairs Team for visiting The Mare and Foal Sanctuary during Equine Crime Week. Their support and knowledge were incredibly helpful, giving us valuable insights into all aspects of equine crime and welfare. It really showed how working together is key to keeping our animals, property and land safe.
Rural Affairs Officers PC Lucy Wyatt and PC Clarke Orchard shared details about Operation Gallop, a national week of equine action that aims to strengthen cooperation between police forces and partners. This campaign also seeks to reduce equine crime, including theft of horses, tack, and horse boxes. NFU Mutual’s 2024 Rural Crime Report has highlighted the urgent need for these efforts, revealing a 41.9% increase in rural crime in the southwest region over the last year.
The officers offered expert advice on safeguarding our sanctuary properties and land. We also learned about Operation Close Pass, which promotes safe passing distances for horses on the road, and Operation Snap, a platform that enables public reporting of dangerous driving incidents involving horses.
Dawn Vincent, our Director of Fundraising and Communications, praised this valuable partnership: ‘Working alongside the Rural Affairs Team is vital. It’s essential that we all report issues and share knowledge to help reduce crime in our community, ensuring the safety of horses and their owners. Our team learned a lot and we really appreciate the time Lucy and Clarke spent with us.’
Colin Day, Head of Property, added: ‘The event was extremely helpful. We’re especially grateful for the property marking equipment provided, using DNA-based, UV-activated solutions. We look forward to working closely with the team to support their ongoing efforts.’
For more information on Operation Gallop, visit the website or sign up for Devon and Cornwall Alert to receive Horse Watch and Farm Watch alerts by text or email. You can also follow the Rural Affairs Team on Facebook.
Find out more about what the Rural Affairs Team had to say here: