Tack Room and Stable Yard Security - History

Horse Tack is increasingly being stolen for resale and export. In spite of security marking schemes the recovery rate for stolen tack is very small mainly due to the lack of single central database and the ease at which tags on stolen items can be located and then removed. Many items also due to their size or construction are almost impossible to mark. Finally, even if you have marked your tack successfully it could be months or years before it is recovered and in the meantime you have to use something which means you end up purchasing a second set of Tack. This actually doubles your problem if the stolen set is eventually returned as then you then have sets to secure.

The best form of security is to stop items being stolen in the first place. Tagging and marking is fine if you are a shop with an active exit barrier and 24/7 security guards to accost the thief on the spot. Large assets such as saddles can be secured using locks and chains, however given time and effort most of these defences can be overcome by the determined thief with a bolt cutter. Remember they have got time, lost of time, often all night as there is nobody around to here them.  Locks in reality buy you time and if used in conjunction with an alarm system will give you the time to respond.

The debate is open as to whether covert alarms or visual alarms are the best way forward.  This choice is really related to how you personally whish to deal with a potential thief, we will say no more on that subject other than good luck.

If your tack room is near to civilisation then an audible alarm is certainly as good idea. This can be backed up with battery powered CCTV and spot lights. If cabling is impractical lights too can be automated and CCTV linked back using wireless technology. If however you tack room / stable is remote then audible alarms do not have the same deterrent effect and in fact help to advertise that there is something inside worth stealing. Hence, in these locations we generally recommend covert solutions.