SIGN OF THE CRIMES
Horse owners warned after string of mysterious incidents said to be thieves’ marks in Gwynedd
HORSE owners in the Gwynedd countryside have been warned to stay vigilant after a string of mysterious incidents.
In two cases, in the Nefyn area on the Llŷn Peninsula, horses were found with their manes cut and plaited.
A third, more recent incident near Llanaelhaearn saw a “star” symbol nailed to a gatepost next to a field into which a horse had been moved by an unknown person.
In all three cases, the horse owners believe the “signs” were left by individuals intent on stealing their animals.
Some people believe that thieves braid, or plait, the manes of horses to tag those they want to steal so that, when they return with transport, they are easily identified.
Other would-be thieves are thought to leave symbols indicating potential targets.
These so-called “secret burglar codes” have been described as “urban myths”, but PCSO Rhys Evans, of the North Wales Police rural crime team, is taking the Gwynedd incidents seriously.
“From the feedback I’ve had from the equine community, there is concern that horses are being deliberately targeted for theft,” he said.
“It’s difficult to imagine what other reasons there could be for plaiting manes and leaving signs.
“In the Llanaelhaearn incident, a stallion was moved to an adjacent field through a gate that had not been opened for several years.
“A symbol had been left nearby and the owner believes this indicates her horse was being lined up for theft.
“As a result I would urge all horse owners in the area to be extra vigilant.”
Plaited manes have been suggested as a burglar’s code for many years, and examples abound across Britain.
One owner in Guildford reported a mane plait a few days before her mare was stolen, only for it to be found tied to railings at Holyhead ferry port.
She believes the horse was abandoned before it could be shipped to Ireland as the animal was microchipped.
Alternative explanations for mane plaiting range from “wind knots” to pranks and sabotage by rivals.
Other signs that horses have been marked for theft
are said to include small piles of ash, markings on the road and plastic bags tied to gates.
Some believe tail-cutting is being driven by the market for horsehair tail extensions within the showing community.
PCSO Evans added: “I’ve never before seen a sign like
the one left at Llanaelhaearn.
“It’s very strange and it must be very worrying for local horse owners.
“I would ask people to contact us if they have seen any other mysterious incidents in the area.”
Incidents can be reported to the rural crime team anonymously on 101.