Ambassadors from Warwickshire Horse Watch have attended a training event to learn how to mark tack and learn about the latest safety and crime prevention information. It was the first time a training event has been held, enabled by funding received from the Chief Constable of Warwickshire Police, Andy Parker and Police and Crime Commissioner, Ron Ball.

The event organised by the Warwickshire Horse Watch committee, was held in November at Warwickshire Police headquarters in Leek Wootton.

Horse Watch Ambassadors are located around the county and have a range of backgrounds, some are serving police officers or police staff, others are horse owners and enthusiasts. They all give their time to support the Horse Watch scheme which promotes crime prevention and advises local owners how they can help to protect their property. The funding has enabled each Ambassador to be provided with a fully equipped kit plus easily identifiable Horse Watch clothing with the scheme’s distinctive logo so they can be easily recognised at events.

Ron Ball, Warwickshire's Police and Crime Commissioner said: "Horse Watch have achieved a great deal since they were established in helping to tackle some of the key issues affecting the community in Warwickshire. This event with the Ambassadors is yet another excellent example of their work to reduce crime and raise awareness. I am delighted that the funding has been able to make such a difference."

Assistant Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman, who attended the event said: “Warwickshire Horse Watch has such a positive impact on the equine community in Warwickshire and beyond, we never underestimate the hard work and dedication given by our volunteers who support Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police.”

During the evening a master saddler gave tips and advice on handling tack when marking it and the group were shown the new features on the Warwickshire Horse Watch website.

Carol Cotterill, Chair of Warwickshire Horse Watch said "It has been an extremely successful night, it is excellent to have so many people want to help horse owners in their local community by passing on crime prevention advice and being trained to tack mark. The funding from the PCC and chief constable has allowed us to support more ambassadors and fully equip the 16 volunteers we already have. A further eight people have expressed an interest in being involved, which means we can help even more horse owners protect their property."

The successful group won the prestigious NFU Mutual Insurance Best Community Scheme Country Crime Fighting Scheme in 2013 and has more than 900 members who receive alerts directly from Warwickshire Police and more than 2000 followers on Facebook.

In addition to tack marking the group have a reflective horse rug label people can use to protect their rugs, gate signs, literature and a successful website with lots of helpful information to download. www.warwickshire-horsewatch.co.uk.