Career criminals are thought to be behind a raid in which £15,000 of riding gear was stolen from a farm.

Burglars tore a metal panel from a barn door before smashing their way into the outbuilding at Green Acres Farm, Hepworth, on Monday night.

Alex Hemsley, who lives on the farm with her partner and six children, woke up on Tuesday morning to find saddles, bridles and horse rugs missing.

The stolen tack is estimated to be worth £15,000.

Ms Hemsley, said: “I came down to see the horses at 7am and the light was on and the stable door was open.

“I feel sick and disgusted that someone can come into your property and do this.

“It’s a horrible feeling that people can come onto your land when you’re in your bed.

“I’m just gutted.”

Alex Hemsley of Green Acres livery stableswith the smashed tack room door in her livery stables where thieves made off with thousands of pounds worth of horse riding equipment
Alex Hemsley of Green Acres livery stableswith the smashed tack room door in her livery stables where thieves made off with thousands of pounds worth of horse riding equipment

Following a burglary 12 years ago, Ms Hemsley’s family installed security lights and a burglar alarm as well as a metal panel on the barn door.

Ms Hemsley, whose family has lived on the farm for generations, said: “After the last burglary we stepped up protection but it never seems to be enough.

“No-one heard anything and the alarm didn’t go off – or we didn’t hear it.”

Ms Hemsley, who works as a fitness instructor, believes that the gear may have been stolen to order.

She said: “I’ve no idea where this sort of thing is sold; maybe on Ebay or to private buyers.

“They probably already had someone to sell it on to.”

She added: “We are insured but not for what it’s all worth...that tack belonged to children.”