A ‘rural Banksy’ is being hunted by police after a bizarre crime wave which has seen a number of attacks on horses covered – in GRAFFITI.
Officers have received reports of several animals being spray-painted and others having their manes and tails mysteriously braided.
Police were alerted to the incidents by Surrey Action for Equines following the unusual crimes in fields around rural Churt, near Farnham.
At least six equines have had their tails and mains cut or braided, and the horse that was sprayed ended up with a completely purple flank and shoulder.
A Surrey Police spokesman said: “The local Police Community Support Officer was made aware of a horse being sprayed with paint.
“The owner has been asked to report the matter to police so it can be further investigated.
“We also received a report of a horse’s mane being plaited just before 9am on July 31, at an address in Churt.
“Further enquiries revealed that a number of horses at the same address had previously been found with plaits in their manes.
“Due to the unusual nature of these incidents, patrols have been stepped up in the area and the occupants have been advised to report any further suspicious activity to police.”
Betty Cabrol of Horsewatch said the incidents had been “unnerving” for those involved.
She said: “It’s an innocuous but bizarre series of incidents.
“The horses haven’t been harmed in any way, but it is very unnerving for them and for their owners, because somebody is getting into fields and up to horses they have no business approaching.
“I think whoever is doing this is doing it for a buzz, rather than out of spite.”
