LOCAL vet Tom Gliddon is urging horse owners to step up security over fears thieves are targeting equines in West Somerset.

His wife discovered someone had put a plait in their horse's mane - a sign commonly believed to be used by thieves looking for animals to steal.

Mr Gliddon said: "Having found this with my own horse, I would urge anyone with horses to employ whatever security measures are necessary to protect their animals."

In recent months, a number of horses have gone missing in other parts of the county, particularly around Bridgwater.

It is believed someone singles out a target animal and plaits its mane as a marker to ensure the thieves know they have the right horse when they return later.

Mr Gliddon said, although his own horse was only a brood mare, someone had deliberately plaited the mane and secured it with an elastic band.

"We've heard tales about this before and know of another incident in Brompton Ralph.

"I don't think anyone's lost a horse yet, but it is serious and it's happening around here," Mr Gliddon said.

* Dulverton-based police officer Nick Wood will be launching a local version of the national Horse Watch scheme at the Exmoor Pony Centre today (Friday).

The scheme aims to help police and horse owners share intelligence and improve security measures.

The initiative will also be used to urge motorists to slow down near horses, while also encouraging good horsemanship by riders while out on the road.