AN equestrian organisation that lost most of its members when it was disbanded is making fresh appeals for them to make contact.

Members of Worcestershire Horsewatch were told by West Mercia police that they would have to join forces with the Herefordshire branch but, according to the group, the vast majority have never been heard of since.

The rise in horse crime, increasing cases of cruelty and the introduction of horse passports in the New Year has prompted two members to make fresh appeals for original members to get in touch.

The plea comes after vandals broke a padlock to the gate of a field beside the A49 at The Wharf in Leominster. The field contained a horse (as well as sheep and cattle) which escaped on to the busy main road and collided with a car. The horse had to be put down.

PC Sharon Wood, rural beat manager for Leominster, said all stock owners should be vigilant.

"In the past months our colleagues in Worcestershire have seen several horses being stolen from fields. Anyone who sees any serious activity around fields should report the matter to the police."

It is in incidents like this that Horsewatch co-ordinators would be able to help.

"We are desperate for the members that we lost to send us their names and addresses so that we can recruit more than a hundred people to help us combat horse crime, especially in Worcestershire," said Hazel Warburton. "At the moment, we only get to hear about a problem when we read about it a few days later and then it is far too late."

Mrs Warburton and Horsewatch co-ordinator Bob Jenkins, say the group is invaluable in helping to solve and prevent crimes.

Co-ordinators in each area act as an early warning system and can often help trace stolen horses, trailers and tack. Both say they would like to forge stronger links with the police and the RSPCA. But first they need members. Mrs Warburton became involved with Worcestershire Horsewatch after her trailer was taken from her field, an attempt made to steal her horse and tack from her stables.

"If we know there's a problem we can let our fellow co-ordinators know via the phone or a website. People will then be looking out for anything suspicious," she explained.

"Because there's no Horsewatch in Worcestershire, nobody knows what's going on."

If you would like to become a member of Worcestershire Horsewatch, please ring Hazel Warburton on 01886 832753 or Bob Jenkins on 01905 830732.