30 trailers stolen across Mid Ulster in 2017

by Gráinne Connolly

A spokesperson for the PSNI has said the number of trailers stolen in Mid Ulster last year was "far too high a number", after it was revealed that 30 were taken from owners in 2017. 

While the police are always "out and about", they say it's impossible to be everywhere at once therefore it's important that members of the public take extra steps to prevent these thefts. 

The spokesperson went on to say:

"Securing trailers and farm equipment is a major factor in reducing such thefts. 

"We regularly visit farms and dwellings with minimal security and see equipment sitting about unlocked or keys in the ignitions of tractors. 

"It takes less than two minutes to arrive, hitch up a trailer and drive back out again. 

"All trailers have locking mechanisms yet many owners rarely used them. As well as the huge inconvenience such thefts cause there is also the large financial hit to the owners."

The clear message of advice to owners is to "always lock trailers when not in use, where possible secure them inside sheds or if that's not possible then block them in the yard with other vehicles." 

I's extremely important that yards are also secure with proper gates and locks, also with CCTV options that are inexpensive but a huge deterrent to thieves.