An increase in car trailer theft has prompted RACV to provide a list of nine ways that trailers can be better secured
There has been a 25 per cent increase in car trailer thefts in Victoria over the year to June 2024, according to the Victorian Crime Statistics Agency.
1,750 trailers were stolen in this time – a significant increase on the 1,392 trailers stolen during the previous period.
“We are seeing an overall increase of motor vehicle theft offences and trailers are a theft target in Victoria due to their mobility and potential resale value,” RACV head of motor insurance and roadside products Kristy Hayes says.
“This can be a big issue for self-employed tradespeople who own a trailer to conduct their business.
“Even if you’re hiring a trailer for one day, you should be aware that thieves can also target the goods and valuables you’re carrying around if you leave them unattended.”
Given the recent increase in offences, Hayes says there are many ways owners can prevent trailer theft and urges them to take the necessary precautions.
RACV outlines its top tips to prevent trailer theft below:
Wheel locks
A wheel lock can immobilise a trailer, preventing thieves from easily taking a trailer away. As a result, wheel locks also act as a great visual deterrent as many thieves will not try to break through a heavy-duty wheel clamp.
Trailer tongue locks
A trailer tongue lock fits in or over the trailer tongue, preventing a thief from inserting a hitch ball by plugging up the coupler. Without being able to attach the trailer to a vehicle, thieves can’t drive off with a trailer. This is a great lock for when people need to leave their trailer disconnected from their vehicle. Make sure that any tongue lock you use is made from strong metal, is tool and pick resistant, and has a key or combination mechanism that requires the correct key or code to open.
Trailer hitch locks
This prevents thieves from uncoupling a trailer from someone’s vehicle. Simply install the ball mount into the trailer hitch’s receiver tube, then insert the hitch lock instead of the regular hitch pin. A ball mount with a hitch lock typically uses a protective cap secured by a lock cylinder or padlock. Thieves won’t be able to slide out the hitch pin to uncouple a trailer.
A wireless alarm
A wireless alarm that makes a loud sound if tampered with can scare thieves away from trailers. It can also alert the owner, or passersby, to the attempted theft.
Small GPS tracking devices
These can also be hidden somewhere on a trailer. If a trailer is stolen, its location can be tracked on the GPS’s related app and the police can be informed of where the stolen trailer was taken.
Bright markings
Thieves don’t like unique or obvious markings on objects or vehicles they hope to steal. Not only do bright markings make trailers harder for the thief to resell, they make the trailer easily recognisable to police. Consider adding bright colours to trailers, or reflectors that shine brightly in headlights, to deter theft.
Avoid unnecessary stops
Sometimes the most effective safety method is the simplest. When towing a trailer, drive directly to the destination without unnecessary stops.
Park and store safely
After arriving at the destination, park in a well-lit area, preferably in a locked garage or shed if possible. Owners can even block the trailer’s exit path with their towing vehicle so that thieves can’t manoeuvre it away.
Don’t leave items unattended
Make sure goods and valuables that are being carried around are not left unattended and ensure they are removed once parked, storing them securely.
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