Help, our horses are bolted!

Photo: picture by Ken Bennett

Buddies . . . children and parents, accompanied by Constable Cub, watch PC Steve Beech from, GMP’s traffic division, show off some of a patrol vehicle’s equipment

A scheme to raise the profile of security and community initiatives hit a snag when two police horses were locked in their box.

The horses were to be one of the star attractions at this week’s Saddleworth and Lees policing team’s “Village a Month” project in Dobcross.

The horses from the GMP’s mounted section made a 90-minute journey by road to meet children and parents at the village school. But when officers came to remove the horses just a short distance from the school entrance the locking device on the horse box jammed.

Best efforts to free the jam failed and the vehicle and horses returned to their headquarters in Manchester.

“It was a frustrating and unforeseen hitch,” said one officer.

But the week-long event, part of a major initiative across Saddleworth villages, received enthusiastic support from locals.

Scores who turned up at Holy Trinity C of E school shared children-based activities and a demonstration by sniffer dog. Blaze.

They were supported by Constable Cub, and officers from the police traffic department who showed how various aids — including Tasers — are used to catch criminals.

Other agencies, including Home Watch and Oldham Council services, provided detailed crime prevention advice and valuable information on energy-saving lights and loft installation.

There was free mobile phone security and pedal cycle marking and free fitting of anti-tamper screws to vehicle number plates.

Officers also provided a high profile presence in the community throughout the week.