RACV’s top prevention tips following a 25 per cent increase in trailer thefts

Recent data from the Victorian Crime Statistics Agency shows a 25 per cent increase in car trailer thefts in Victoria over the year to June 2024.

During the previous period, 1,392 trailers were stolen but that number has jumped to 1,750 in line with an increase in other motor vehicle theft offences.

RACV Head of Motor Insurance & Roadside Products Kirsty Hayes says that there are ways to prevent trailer theft and urges owners to consider these precautions given the recent increase in offences.

“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,” Ms Hayes said.

“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.”

RACV's top trailer theft prevention tips:

1. Wheel locks: A wheel lock can immobilise your trailer, preventing thieves from easily taking your trailer away. As a result, wheel locks also act as a great visual deterrent as many opportunistic thieves will not try to break through a heavy-duty wheel clamp.
2. 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 your trailer. This is a great lock for when you need to leave your trailer disconnected from your 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.
3. Trailer hitch locks: This prevents thieves from uncoupling your trailer from your vehicle. Simply install your 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 your trailer.
4. A wireless alarm: A wireless alarm that makes a loud sound if tampered with can scare thieves away from your trailer. It can also alert you, or passersby, to the attempted theft.
5. Small GPS tracking devices: These can also be hidden somewhere on your trailer. If your trailer is stolen, you can then track its location on the GPS’s related app and inform police where your stolen trailer was taken.
6. Bright markings: Thieves don’t like unique or obvious markings on objects or vehicles they hope to steal. Not only do bright markings make your trailer harder for the thief to resell, they make the trailer easily recognisable to police. Consider adding bright colours to your trailer, or reflectors that shine brightly in headlights, to deter theft.
7. Avoid unnecessary stops: Sometimes the most effective safety method is the simplest. When towing a trailer, drive directly to your destination without unnecessary stops.
8. Park and store safely: Once you’ve arrived, park in a well-lit area, preferably in a locked garage or shed if possible. You can even block your trailer’s exit path with your towing vehicle so that thieves can’t manoeuvre it away.
9. Don’t leave items unattended: Make sure goods and valuables you're carrying around are not left unattended to prevent theft from the trailer and ensure you remove them once you are parked, storing them securely.

Help protect yourself against loss caused by theft of your trailer by taking out dedicated trailer insurance. RACV Trailer Insurance helps cover any trailer that meets registration requirements, both when the trailer is parked at home and while you’re towing it. It also covers any licenced driver borrowing your trailer with your permission.

Visit racv.com.au for more information on trailer insurance and tips to protect your trailer from theft.