Animal medication stolen from Tidmarsh stables

At some time between 5pm on Tuesday February 10 and 7.30am on Wednesday February 11, offenders cut through a wire fence on Tidmarsh Lane and gained access to an outbuilding on a farm before taking the medication from a cupboard.
Around 100 sachets of “bute” powder (otherwise known as Phenylbutazone) a powerful painkiller used for horses, was stolen.
Investigating officer, PC Andy Faulkner said: “We would urge anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously near Tidmarsh Lane at around the time of the incident to please call us.
“We would also want to warn anyone offered this drug that it is a drug designed for short-term treatment of pain in animals. It is not for human consumption and reportedly it can cause harm if ingested by humans.
“We would also warn other rural properties to ensure that any animal medication is kept securely contained."
George Soley, operations manager at the Turning Point drug and alcohol service in Newbury said: “Heroin and some other drugs available in the West Berkshire area at times are mixed with other chemicals.
"There is a possibility that this substance could be used for that purpose. If so, it could be very dangerous to anyone who uses drugs contaminated with it. It could also pose a serious risk or be potentially fatal if taken directly.
“We’d encourage anyone who is worried about their drug use to call Turning Point in confidence on 01635 237795 (9am-5pm Monday – Friday).”
Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Faulkner via the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 101.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.