A BOAT owner has praised police and their powerful pets after they trotted to his aid in his hour of need.

The 68-year-old was counting his loses on Wednesday after a suspected break-in on his boat at Lechlade Marina when something quite unexpected happened.

Around the corner came two officers atop horses Boris and Huntsman, which had been in the town reassuring residents following a spate of arson attack.

The horses were brought to the county for the first time in decades in March for an 18 month trial.

“They were absolutely fantastic,” the man said. “They came over and helped without asking. One held the horses while the other one helped me out – I couldn’t have asked a better service.”

He told the Standard he wanted to thank both of them for their work.

An electric cable was stolen and a storage box was damaged sometime between June 1 and June 15, a police spokesman said.

A forensic team has checked the area for evidence.

Cotswolds Police inspector Karen Ellis, said: "We’re doing a lot of work in and around Lechlade to help reassure people and gather information about recent incidents.

“It’s pleasing to hear positive feedback about our officers and I hope it shows everyone that our officers do care and are there for the community.

“Once again I would appeal to anyone with information about crime in the area to call us on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”