Theft of flat bed trailers, stock trailers and horse boxes.

Dear resident,

We have noticed that the theft of lightweight livestock, flatbed trailers and horse boxes has been growing within our rural communities – they are particularly vulnerable as they can be easily towed away unless security measures are taken.

Physical security 

Try and make your trailer or horsebox unattractive to steal – if the thief must spend more time breaking the security products attached to the trailer, they may move on to an easier target. 

Consider fitting a combination of several products such as a good quality hitch lock anti-theft device, wheel clamps and locking wheel nuts. If your trailer is stored in a barn or on a hard concrete surface, an SBD approved ground anchor with a heavy-duty chain with a high attack rating is another option to be considered. Consider painting part of the trailer with a spray paint, maybe do this to the tow bar. If it is not going to be used for a long period of time consider removing one or more of the wheels or the hitch head and jockey wheel to prevent movement or towing.

Restrict access

If your trailer or horsebox is parked on the driveway or at the front of a yard, consider closing any gates at night or when you are not using it. If you don’t have gates, a vehicle bollard will provide an extra visible deterrent. Avoid parking the trailer with the tow hitch facing a road.

Record details

Keep a record of serial numbers, chassis and model numbers and take note of any custom marks on the horsebox or trailer, it will also be very useful to take photos of all of these, consider taking colour photographs from several angles and additionally take videos with a smartphone if possible, including markings. If stolen, being able to track and identify your horsebox or trailer is vital to the police. Register your trailer with The Equipment Register (TER) and keep a record of the details, including the trailers serial number and drawbar code if applicable, also consider etching the serial number in several places on the trailer and record the location of them, one or more of these should be in a more obscure place where someone may not look.

Security marking

Security marking your trailer or horsebox using an approved recognised forensic asset marking is another highly effective, visible deterrent to thieves and an established method of reducing theft.

Tracking Systems

Fit an approved tracking device to the horsebox or trailer so it can be traced if stolen. There are various companies that specialise in this area and can advise on the best system and fitting of the product.

Tack

Don’t leave any tack in horseboxes overnight – store it away safely and be especially careful at events and shows. Get your tack security marked and also take photos of it including any distinguishable marks.

Insurance

Check that you have adequate cover under your insurance for theft for your trailer, horsebox, and tack, including overnight shows away from home.

We are keen to hear from anyone who may have any information relating to the theft of flat bed trailers, stock trailers and horse boxes.

If you have information in relation to this please let us know using the online ‘Tell Us About’ form on our website www.westmercia.police.uk. 

If you aren’t comfortable contacting us directly, you can pass on information anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website: www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Thank you for taking the time to read this message. It is only by the police and the public working together that we can prevent and detect crime. 

Kind regards

PC Johns