Warning to online shoppers who are horse owners.

Lincolnshire Police has made Thames Valley Police aware of an ongoing investigation they’re running into a number of offences of online fraud.  All of the incidents have involved an individual approaching members of online sites who are asking for saddles for sale.

This individual offers a variety of saddles for very cheap prices using stolen photographs, and insists that buyers transfer money directly into an account, refusing to use PayPal.  A false or incorrect parcel tracking number is sent to the victim as proof of delivery so that they feel more comfortable in sending the payment. The parcel then never arrives and contact is cut between the offender and the victim.

Lincolnshire Police have so far spoken to six victims from all over the country, and the fraud has been committed on various different websites.  The offender is still actively trying to commit these offences; until they are apprehended they will likely continue to do so.

Action Fraud provides some very good advice for concerned online shoppers to consider, and to avoid falling victim to this online scam, follow these simple online safety tips:

• Avoid paying for goods by money transfers – they aren’t secure.
• Be careful when using direct banking transactions to pay for goods. Make sure transactions are secure.
• Never send confidential personal or financial information by email.
• Use an online payment option such as PayPal whenever possible; it will help to protect you.

If you suspect that you have become a victim of fraud, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040

Appeal for information after horse is stolen from field.

Thames Valley Police is appealing for information after a horse was stolen from a field.

The theft occurred between 12noon on 11 January and 4.30pm on 16 January from Lowfield Farm on Henley Road, Reading.  The mare had a nine week-old foal at foot that was left behind by the thieves.

The mare is a 15 year-old, brown thoroughbred who is known as Trotter.  She is 16 hands in height, has three white legs and a white blaze on her nose.  Trotter is neither freeze branded or chipped.

Anyone with information about this incident or the whereabouts of Trotter should contact investigating officer PCSO Stephen Pengilly, of Reading Police Station, via the 24-hour enquiry line 101.

If you do not want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers (opens new window) anonymously on 0800 555 111. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.