A SPATE of thefts from farms and stable yards has prompted the rural crime team at Wiltshbire Police to issue a warning to owners to check their security.

Thieves got into a barn and stole a green Ifor Williams horse trailer valued at £4,000 from a farmyard at Wroughton between 10am on March 23 and the same time two days later.

On Tuesday between 5.30 and 6pm three men in a blue Nissan X-trail tried to get onto a farm at Ogbourne Maizey but were challenged by a neighbour. The men claimed to be returning a wandering dog but it is thought they were targeting a horsebox.

The same horsebox was later seen towing a Williams flatbed trailer by the owner of the trailer.

Other yards in Wiltshire have been burgled during the past week and scrap metal, horsebox fittings and other equipment has been taken.

The force has also had reports of illegal hare coursing in the county.

Witnesses are asked to call Wiltshire Police on 101 with information.