Horse Trailers and Horsebox Security

As the Lock Guy locksmith, I understand that there is an increase in crime related to thefts involving trailers and horseboxes. This article aims to spread awareness about the issues and to recommend some security tips to prevent these thefts and to secure your property.

Thieves target horse trailers and horseboxes because they can be stolen and stolen from relatively easily and the equipment inside can be very valuable and easy to sell on. These trailers and horseboxes are often stored remotely making the risk of being detected relatively low for thieves. Data from Ecclesiastical, the insurer behind SEIB Insurance Brokers’ horse trailer policies shows that 95% of stolen horse trailers were taken from a location away from the clients’ home address.

No single one measure is likely to be sufficient to stop these crimes. But owners are encouraged to take a ‘layered’ approach to security with a combination of measures that make thefts as difficult as possible.

Minimum security measures

As a minimum, Lock Guy recommends that a good quality hitch lock should always be fitted to trailers. This is a simple device that stops a thief from just hooking up a trailer and taking it away. It is also normally a requirement from your insurer to fit one. See this article on Parkers website for more details.

A wheel clamp stops a trailer from being towed and a horsebox from being driven away. Thieves will normally look for an easy target, so may be deterred at the sight of a wheel clamp. As always with locks, you generally get what you pay for, so get the best wheel clamp you can afford.

Additional locks should also be considered. Especially on storage compartments in horseboxes as the locks fitted as standard are generally easy to bypass as they are cheap camlocks that operate with a system of ‘wafers’ that can be manipulated easily, quickly and quietly. Owners often store very expensive equipment in these compartments and thieves need only a few moments to gain access and take what they want (e.g. at a service station during a journey break). So it is recommended to add a good padlock and hasp set to all doors, a service I provide.

Just having a lock isn't enough

Whilst locks and other security products are necessary and do provide a deterrent and do slow down a thief, unfortunately, locks alone do not provide enough security. Further data from SEIB and Ecclesiastical shows that from horse trailer claims, 63% did have a hitch lock and a wheel clamp. So owners need to take additional measures.

Trailers and horseboxes should be hidden in a building/barn if possible – or if not possible, they should be blocked in so they cannot easily be towed away. One can purchase a security bollard (or even a heavy-duty security chain) if you do not have any other physical barrier to use.

Do not leave tack or other valuable equipment in trailers and horseboxes. Store such items in a separate secure storage area.

Implement security lights around your trailer/horsebox and if possible, alarms and CCTV systems with lots of warning signs will all be good additions.

If the worst happens, then victims of thefts must have insurance.

Tracking devices can also be purchased and whilst these do not prevent crimes, they can help to recover goods more quickly. It is important that security tags are registered with an official database. Security tags including microdot transponder technology are available for a relatively low cost.

If you are the victim of an equestrian related theft, then it is recommended to publicise this on social media as it may help to recover the lost goods and it helps to raise awareness and to encourage others to take further precautions.

I hope this article on Horse Trailers and Horsebox Security has been useful to you.

If you want further advice on locks and other security products for your horsebox and/or trailer, then contact Lock Guy.

Got a question about a lock issue you may have? Why not have a look at the FAQ page or one of the helpful advice videos on the Media page.