Johannesburg - Robbers have hit equestrian centres and horse stables at least 52 times in the last two years and mostly in Gauteng, making off with saddles with a combined value of more than R12 million.
The thefts have got the equestrian and horse owners concerned that there is a horse saddle syndicate operating around the area, including Centurion, Olievenhoutbosch and Kyalami. The prices of the saddles range from R40 000 to R100 000.
According to the police and horse owners, there has been a staggering increase in the number of reported horse saddle thefts.
It is believed there is a large and profitable market overseas that the thieves supply.
An equestrian and horse-keeper from Kyalami, Candice Hobday, is the latest to fall victim.
Last December, Hobday said she went for a leg operation, only to return home to find that thieves had ransacked her tack room and made off with 11 high-end saddles valued at R650 000.
Hobday said the previous month she had installed a top-of-the-range electric fence around her property after hearing stories about saddle thieves.
In addition to the electric fence, she had laser beams, dogs, eight CCTV cameras and anti-lift fences. “It is quite clear that these thieves are organised and knowledgeable in what they are doing,” said Hobday.
Following the incidents, she created a Facebook group called Stolen Saddles South Africa to create awareness about the alarming saddle theft rate.
“The group allows us to share our experiences and give solid advice and tips to stop saddle theft. It has 1 422 members,” said Hobday.
Surveillance video from her home showed a man walking and ducking security features and going straight to the tack room.
According to Hobday, the thieves almost always strike at night and take all the good saddles and bridles. If four or more saddles are taken, or several barns are hit in one night, it’s probably the work of a syndicate, she said.
They generally steal from barns that are within a five-minute drive of an interstate or major highway. “No one knows how these thieves decide which stable to hit, so everyone is vulnerable,” said Hobday.
In a separate incident, Susan Berry from Midrand lost 23 saddles which amounted to an estimated R1.2m.
Berry believes the syndicate have people on the inside. “I strongly believe it is partially an inside job.”
The Star