A YOUNG rider watched terrified through a toilet door as an opportunist thief smashed a car window in a stable yard to try and steal a handbag. The would-be thief was caught in the act of smashing a rock through the window of a VW Polo car at West End far

A YOUNG rider watched terrified through a toilet door as an opportunist thief smashed a car window in a stable yard to try and steal a handbag.

The would-be thief was caught in the act of smashing a rock through the window of a VW Polo car at West End farm in Nomansland, Wheathampstead, at 5.35pm on Monday (18/5).

The rider's mother said: "My 10-year old daughter saw everything and was terrified. The police have interviewed her and taken a description of the man."

A male rider shouted at him and the man drove off with his accomplice only to return 15 minutes later to have another go at the Polo.

But again he was spotted and made off in a black 4 x 4 style vehicle in the direction of Ferrers Lane.

Police have now warned other stable users to beware of leaving money and valuables in their cars while riding their horses. They believe the man may be targeting stable yard users.

He is described as being in his twenties, slim, around 5'11" tall with short black hair and wearing a baseball cap, sunglasses and baggy white sweat pants and top. His accomplice who drove the large black SUV vehicle was also wearing sunglasses and a baseball cap and described as being in his twenties.

Anyone with any information on this incident should contact the police on 0845 33 00 222.