POTTSTOWN >> Police are asking for help in locating a 28-year-old woman who they believe is connected to the theft of $18,000 worth of horse-riding equipment recently put up for sale on Facebook.
The equipment, including 11 saddles, were recovered during a July 2 search of a residence in the 300 block of Chestnut Street in Pottstown as part of an ongoing investigation.
A warrant for the arrest of Avery Whyte, whose last known addresses were the home on Chestnut Street and 8 N. Home Ave. in Topton, Berks County, has been issued on charges of receiving stolen property, according to state police.
The investigation began when troopers from the Reading barracks took a report of stolen equine tack equipment from two farms at 250 and 58 Red Corner Road in Union Township between June 20 and June 27.
One of the victims was made aware that her saddle was listed “for sale” on a Facebook page specifically created for equine equipment, according to police.
That page also included “dozens of other equine pieces of equipment for sale,” photos of which was uploaded to the site at the end of June, police said.
Troopers learned of two other locations in Amity Township – E & R’s Ridge Run Stables at 1120 Weavertown Road and at 64 Bieber Lane – where equipment also went missing.
“During the early portion of the investigation, multiple victims observed their tack equipment being listed ‘for sale’ on the Facebook page,” according to a press release issued state police.
Observation of the background of the photographs of the equipment helped police deduce that the location of the photos taken was the 300 block of Chestnut Street.
A search warrant was executed there on July 2 and a high volume of equipment was recovered.
All total, at least 11 individuals who owned or boarded horses at the four farms have had a variety of equipment taken, including English and western style saddles, bridles, halters, saddle pads, stirrups, reins, blankets, jackets and various leather gear, according to police.
“Further investigation revealed that Whyte was in possession of the equipment and was attempting to sell it on her equine Facebook page,” the release stated.
In addition to looking for Whyte, police are also looking to identify other possible victims as several saddles and other equipment remains among what was recovered and has not yet been claimed.
Anyone with information about Whyte’s whereabouts, or who suspects their equine equipment may be among that recovered from the Chestnut Street home, is urged to call police.