POLICE horses are patrolling Huddersfield streets in an anti-burglary blitz.
Mounted officers are on patrol in Lowerhouses, Newsome and Ashenhurst following a spate of burglaries in the areas.
The officers have a high- visibility presence to deter crooks. They also want residents to chat to them about the area.
Det Sgt Nigel Ramsden, of Kirklees Police intelligence unit, said: "The move follows a spate of burglaries in the area.
"We have made some arrests, but the offences have continued at all times of the day.
"When mounted officers have been used like this in other areas they have had some good results.
"The mounted officers are good at stopping people and getting information."
The mounted patrols - backed by officers on foot and in vehicles - are to continue for a couple of weeks.
* Anyone with information about who is committing burglaries in the areas should phone Crime- stoppers on 0800 555 111.
* Horses have served with the county's police since the 1890s.
* They have been based in Wakefield since 1995.
* West Yorkshire Police have 25 mounted officers, 22 horses and seven civilian grooms.
* Police horses are usually aged between four and seven when they join the force.
* It takes four months to train a mounted officer.
* Police horses are now used more in the fight against crime than for ceremonial duties.
