Official Sighting of 'The white van' in Berkshire

[Folara]

Just to warn everyone in Berkshire.

One of the liveries on our yard saw two men in my horses field taking photos on Thursday last week.

Again it was the white van that has been seen up and down the country.

We are in Buckhold, just up from Pangbourne and not far from Newbury.

 

[Henbug]

Thanks for posting

 

[michaelj]

=[ Thanks for posting also... I hope this all blows over soon!

 

[Folara]

Me too. Its all so horrible, living on your nerves and always worrying.

All ours are freezemarked thank god but that isnt always a deterrent.

 

[Rana]

Thanks for posting. Was hoping it wasn't going to make it to this area.

Our yard is pretty secure, but even so, I dread arriving in the morning.

Very scary

 

[Folara]

I know and I have the only coloured and my friend the only cob and I have read that this is what they are targetting.

 

[Rana]

Fingers crossed nothing happens.

I'm relying on the fact that chestnut mares are often unpopular at the best of time, let alone when they're 26. I've been considering turning her out overnight instead of during the day.

How's your yard security? We've got fields adjoining roads, but all with high, thick hedges and some with ditches too. All gates are blocked with farm trailers, except one, which is blocked by a neighbours transit overnight. All fields overlooked by houses, except one which is also padlocked. Main gates are padlocked at night, and right next to a neighbours house. YO's on site 24/7, with large dogs who bark lots. Also a bumpy gravel drive, so you'd definitely hear a vehicle. All fences have electric wire on them, wired to the main.

(Sorry, bit of an essay there, but I'm obsessing!)

 

[Folara]

One word .... CRAP!!

Fields are down on a main (ish) road with a bridleway on one side and surrounded by crop fields. Fencing is very old post and rail with a strand of electric on the top (and the battery is flat again).

Only good thing is I live on the farm and am a very light sleeper. I also have dogs and do a late night check before I go to bed.

I have to have Gen out at night and in during the day because of his allergy to fly bites and his ever-growing waistline.

The YO 'might' bother to put some signs up saying we have our horses freezemarked (which they are) but I wont hold my breath.

Its a bit ridiculous really. I just hope Gen is spooked enough to run away.

 

[Rana]

You must be worried sick! At least you're on site though, you'd more than likely hear anything happening (or your dogs would). Out at night is safer too - they're sitting ducks in the stable. At least they're freezemarked (mine isn't), so they're less likely to be taken. Could you put up signs yourself?

Spoke to my YO this morning, who is aware of all this - updated her that they've been seen Newbury/Pangbourne. She's leaving the dogs out at night now, which is a help - they do bark if you get there at an unexpected time!

Does anyone have a description of the men? I know we don't want any cases of mistaken identity, but there are hundred of transits on the roads, and are often driven by dodgy-looking men (not to say all transit drivers are dodgy, but you know what I mean)...

 

[wizzi901]

Jeez, thats bit too close for comfort......especially off the beaten track xx