THIEVES armed with bolt-croppers stole almost £8,000 worth of horse riding and driving equipment on Friday night — and it is thought they were after the horses too.

PC Sue Ransley, of Tavistock police, said the burglars used boltcroppers to cut through a padlock and chain barring the way into a field on the outskirts of Horrabridge.

They then broke into a padlocked building to steal a modern four-wheeled carriage set up for a pair of horses, worth some £4,000. Also stolen was £3,000 worth of brand new harnesses — still with the price tags attached — plus saddles and bridles. The thieves also stole a twin-axle road trailer, valued at £800, to transport their haul.

Owner Janine Hall said she was surprised to find the thieves had taken head collars too, until she learnt a horse trailer had been stolen from Meavy the same night.

'I think they wanted to steal the horses as well,' she said. 'They're quite special — one's a Friesian — lovely temperaments. Now we've had to move the horses and we're homeless while we consider where on earth we can be safe.'

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Ransley at Tavistock on 08705 777444 — the number which has replaced the previous 0990 numbers — quoting JT01/404, or 0800 555111, the confidential Crimestoppers' number.