How to beat the trailer thief (From Dudley News)

How to beat the trailer thief

4:49pm Wednesday 5th March 2008 in Letters

AS a director of Keltruck Limited, a local business which, along with its customers, has been blighted by commercial vehicle theft, may I comment on the recent article about the theft of trailers.

It is important to realise that any expensive article - such as a horse box trailer or other independent stand-alone trailer - is easily stolen and disguised.

There is a ready market for such vehicles, not only in this country but also on the Continent and especially in Ireland.

Often, horse boxes are stolen to enable horses to be stolen in the same locality.

If trailers are to be left unattended they should be wheel clamped or even have a wheel removed if the vehicle is not used often.

Turning the towing arm away from the road when parked makes access more difficult and can also act as a deterrent to thieves.

Strengthened steel posts can be concreted into the ground to block the removal of vehicles, which can also be chained using a reinforced chain to larger objects such as sheds or even your house.

Gates can be secured by keeping them locked. Again, a chain is one method but one of the hinges can also be turned over so that the gate cannot be lifted off.

All items that are capable of being stolen, no matter how large, have been stolen.

Property should be visibly marked with a readily noticeable mark or colour scheme.

I would recommend a hidden form of identification as well.

Stolen vehicles, chain saws and tractors are often sprayed a different colour within 24 hours before leaving for the Continent.

All cars, boats, tractor units and lorries can be fitted with a tracking unit which would help the police to locate your property.

Remember, you paid for it so don't let someone take it from you.

The best means of deterring the theft of such articles is to remove them from sight.

Lock them in stables, away from prying eyes and install solar flood lighting and CCTV if possible.

Truck drivers and operators may wish to visit www.keltruck.com/stolen for details of West Midlands Police Operation Indicate's promptext service for SMS text message alerts of vehicle thefts and hijackings.

Other useful links include www.truckwatch.co.uk and www.truckpol.com Chris Kelly, Conservative Parliamentary Spokesman for Dudley South, Brierley Hill.