Bristol police in trailer theft warning

Police are warning trailer owners to take extra security measures after two thefts in the Frampton Cotterell area of South Gloucestershire in the past month.

Thieves broke into a locked compound in School Road, damaging locks and a gate, to take an Ifor Williams double-axle trailer. It happened overnight on Tuesday, October 13. The second trailer was taken from the drive of a house in Frampton End Road overnight on Saturday, October 24.

It is an unusual Erde make, one of only five imported into the UK, and is light blue with white wheel arches and a distinctive streamlined design, like a small caravan.

Neighbourhood PC Ian Matthews said: "I'm keen to hear from anyone who may have spotted an unfamiliar vehicle in the Frampton area on those dates, or who has any other information that could help our inquiries.

"I would also stress the importance of properly securing and marking trailers. They can be high-value items and some simple steps should either deter thieves or make it easier for police to recover them."

PC Matthews' advice is:

● Register the trailer details at www.immobilise.com. It is a free, secure property database checked by police across the country.

● Mark it with your post code.

● Property marking kits can be found at www.securedbydesign.com.

● Park it in a secure building if you can.

● Fix it to an immovable object using a good-quality chain and lock.

● Fit a wheel clamp and hitch lock.

● If you are not using it, remove one or more wheels and secure them separately.