Police are appealing for witnesses and advising people to look after their equipment after an increase in the number of trailers being stolen.

Since the beginning of October there have been nine trailers stolen in the rural areas of Henley and Wallingford, with a combined value of more than £12,000. All offences have taken place overnight.

Crime Reduction Advisor Julia Wheeler said: “The offences seem to be happening across South Oxfordshire and, as well as Henley and Wallingford, they have also happened in Whitchurch, Stoke Row, Ewelme and Benson.

“There are hundreds of different types of trailers on the market. Unfortunately if a trailer is stolen, it is difficult for the police to trace it back to its owner unless they have some essential information about it.

“I would like to encourage residents to act now by taking a photograph of their trailer and keep it, and any other documents, in a safe place. It is also advisable to record the following information:

  • Trailer type
  • Make and model
  • Serial number:

Further useful information, such as colour, year of manufacture and vehicle identification number

Police advise trailer owners to:

  • Park the trailer as close to the premises as possible, preferably out of sight of nearby roads
  • Fit a wheel clamp to make it difficult to steal
  • Use a hitch lock to prevent the trailer being hitched up and driven away
  • Always use a locking post to secure the trailer
  • Invest in an alarm which would be activated if the trailer was moved
  • Visibly mark your trailer with your postcode and house number by etching it to deter thieves.

There are several trailer marking schemes including www.selectamark.co.uk, www.datatag.co.uk, www.retainagroup.co.uk and www.trailerwatch.com

  • Consider parking a secure vehicle in front of the trailer to block the exit from the property
  • Visit www.securedbydesign.com or www.soldsecure.com for security products.