OPAL ACE ALERT - AGRICULTURAL TRAILER THEFT
Trend
Trailer theft has increased by 69% during 2022 compared with 2021 (Jan-June) and is likely to increase further due to high demand.
This figure includes trailers of all varieties, but there has been a recent increase in theft of agricultural trailers including horse boxes and other livestock trailers.
Response
Opal hosted a policing forum around trailer theft during June 2022. A number of crime methods were identified and best practice discussed.
The learning from the forum has been shared in a national document and policing have been advised on best response with a view to reducing thefts.
Prevention
Police forces reported several instances of pre-curser events such as suspicious activities seen on or near farms prior to thefts. Drones have been reported to be flying across sites prior to crimes occurring to identify the location of trailers to steal. Any similar incidents should be reported to police and farmers should view such events as a possible indicator that an offence may soon take place.
Multi- layered security is the best way to deter theft of trailers. Owners should consider the security of the site, traditional surveillance, forensic marking, installing trackers and also overt marking. A combination of these measures is likely to deter thieves.