Horses carry out police work after 26 years

The first West Midlands Police horses and riders in 26 years have carried out stop and searches and taken part in policing operations.

Officers on patrol gave advice to people about their driving, conducted stop and searches on suspected drug dealers and took part in Project Servator, a policing tactic aimed at disrupting criminal activity, Deputy Chief Constable Scott Green said.

"It's early days but the mounted unit are already proving their worth," he said.

The police force's mounted unit was disbanded in 1999 and has just been re-established. The force currently has five horses, Belgravia, Bruce, Yonkers, Yve, and Yvonne and six riders with more officers in training.

Officers patrolled Aston and Birmingham city centre with the horses on Monday and then Tuesday saw the animals in Solihull and Coventry. The horses patrolled Dudley and Sandwell on Wednesday.

Thursday was dedicated to Walsall town centre and Wolverhampton on Friday.

Deputy Chief Constable Green said it had been pleasing to see people's response.

"For many people, it's been the first time they have seen a horse up close – let alone a police horse.

"The team have lost count of the number of photographs they've had taken, proving they're an excellent tool in encouraging people of all backgrounds to talk to us and understand how we're keeping them safe."

To protect the welfare of the horses, their riders and the public, West Midlands Police has issued the following guidance for people around police horses:

• Ask permission from the rider to approach and always follow their instruction

• Only approach the horse from the front or side where the animal and rider can see you

• Move slowly, calmly and confidently, and avoid tight spaces

• Stand to the side of the horse - never directly in front or immediately behind the animal

• Never feed the horses or approach them with food

• Only touch a horse with clean hands, if invited to by its rider. You must wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after touching the animal

West Midlands Police said children must be always accompanied by an adult when near the horses and dogs must be on a lead, under control and kept well away from the animals.

A spokesperson for the force added: "You must only touch the rider in an emergency. You may be committing a criminal offence if you touch the rider in any other circumstances."

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