THIS year has seen a rise in the theft of trailers from farms across the county, according to Dorset Police.

Rural crime officers are urging farmers to be on alert for thefts of livestock, horse and flatbed trailers.

They are also advising farmers to keep their trailers safe by:

  • Recording trailer serial numbers and photographs for reference – a picture of the stolen trailer or box will increase publicity prospects and recovery
  • Putting your postcode on the roof of your livestock or horse box is a good way of making sure that it is easily identifiable. Kits can be brought off the internet cheaply
  • Having your trailer marked with a security marking scheme such as Datatag and other options are available- do your research to find the system that’s right for you. Insurance discounts are available for fitting certain devices to machines. Check with your insurer for more details. Machines fitted and registered with certain security markings are 4 times less likely to be stolen and are 6 times more likely to be recovered if they are stolen.
  • If your trailer or box is fitted with Datatag make sure that it is registered to you especially if you have brought this second-hand. To update details, visit datatag.co.uk/owner.php
  • Security marking and securing using a wheel clamp, hitch lock and considering using a security posts to secure
  • Considering an appropriate ground anchor with strong high CEN rated padlock and chain. Don’t always trust the standard hitch lock that comes from the manufacturer as these can be bypassed by thieves
  • Considering removing wheels on trailer if they’re not going to be used for a while locking the wheels away in a different place and consider using security posts to secure your trailer into an area
  • Making sure that if you have a trailer which is fitted with a security registration sticker such as the TER Sticker (The Trailer Equipment Register) that your details are current and up to date with them
  • Secure them by reversing up to a solid object such as a wall and then placing a bucket or other heavy implement over the hitch to prevent removal

Police encourage farmers to report any suspicious vehicle or callers by calling 999 if the vehicle or occupants are seen committing crime or phoning 101 or via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk if the vehicle is seen acting suspiciously.

To find out more information or to arrange a bespoke crime prevention visit to your farm or rural premises please email the team directly at ruralcrimeteam@dorset.pnn.police.uk