How to Keep Your Trailer From Being Stolen - 8 Ways to protect your trailer

Trailer Security update Q4 2024
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Although trailer theft has always been a risk the volume of notifications on Social Media feeds seems to show it is on the increase. When you dig for some statistics two surveys / findings stand out -
• NFU Crime Report 2023 - Found that trailer thefts were up by 66% v 2022
• The Equipment Register TER - Found that 1 in 10 of second hand trailers advertised for sale are flagged as stolen
So what can you do to protect your valuable asset? Detailed below are our thoughts on devices / activities to consider. If you have a gem that we have not included, please do let us know, so that we can update this document.
Suggested Devices / Activities -
1. Hitch lock - We would always recommend a hitch lock as a bare minimum for security of your trailer. Options range from £15 to £110. If you need some advice on the correct lock or options for your trailer, please take a picture / make a note of your hitch make / model and email it to [e-mail] and we will be happy to advise
2. On Car lock - Some trailer hitches have integrated locks, if you don’t an on car lock can be a great device to lock your trailer to the tow vehicle whilst out and about. These devices should not be seen as 5* security, but they are great at stopping opportunists.
3. Wheel Clamp - Next step after a hitch lock would be a wheel clamp for us. Interestingly if you went to insure a trailer most insurers would insist on a hitch lock and wheel clamp. Costs on wheel clamps can vary in price and ease of fitment. Costs are in the range of £60 to £100. We do quite like the SAS wheel clamps. On fitment, the variables are tyre width, wheel size and type of wheel, so again if you are not sure, send us an email and we can check the correct option for you. With wheel clamps, always place it on the rear axle of your trailer and the most prominent / visible side. The reason for not placing it on the front axle is that thieves have been known to use tow vehicles with higher mounted tow balls and they will just drive off with the clamp still attached, as the front axle is slightly off the ground.
4. Insurance - There are a number of insurers out in the market place. If your trailer is owned by a Business, try adding it to your Business Policy first. There is a link on our web site to gain a trailer insurance quote (this is not a recommendation, but an option to consider) - insuranceprote...
5. Trackers - As you move up the price range with trailers a tracker can be another good option. They are relatively small now and most are stand alone, so you don’t need a power supply. A decent tracker can be bought for approx. £150 and you then typically have an air time contract (to allow the device to communicate) at £10 per month. The trackers can send you alerts on movement / if a trailer goes outside a ring fence area. As a side benefit the trackers can provide useful mileage information to help with service intervals etc.
6. DataTag - DataTag is a kit you can apply to your trailer and consists of ID stickers, as well as marking fluid, so that your trailer can be identified (even if VIN plates are removed). Cost is approx. £65. Insurance Companies seem to like the system and will give you a discount of premiums if you have it.
7. The Equipment Register (TER) - Is a database of trailers / assets in the UK and records details of a trailer and its owners details. The Police and DVSA seem to be using this register, so if you have not registered your trailer already, it is worth doing so.
8. Markings - Thieves are known to remove VIN plates and serial numbers on trailers, so an option is to increase the markings on your trailer - apply the VIN number to additional locations on your trailer. We have also heard that adding an additional number plate to the roof of horse trailers is a good idea as high level ANPR cameras can read them.
Thieves will over time change their mode of operation, so please note this list and guidance can and will change over time.
If we can help further, please message below or contact us on 01832 770 888.
If you found this video useful, please do Like and Subscribe as this assist us and it also means you receive notifications of our new video releases. Thank you!

[@billyb6043]

plant hire firms tend to write the serial number or name of the company in weld, on the chassis.

[@bigbeartrailersoutdoor1127]

@@billyb6043 That certainly helps. In essence the more locations / options the better