Vehicles, trailers and horseboxes are all easy targets for criminals, especially if they are left unsecured or in isolated locations, according to IFA Crime Prevention Executive Colin Connolly.
Therefore, the importance of securing and parking vehicles as close to your premises as possible, ideally out of sight, cannot be overemphasised, he said.
He advises that the best area to store these items is indoors or, if that is not possible, away from nearby roads and from easy access.
Locking posts are an additional feature that can be installed to provide extra security for trailers, he said.
The Crime Prevention Executive said that the bigger block method is very effective; this is quite simply the practice of blocking your trailer with a vehicle or other object that is larger and more difficult to move in order to prevent it being taken easily.
He has outlined three ways to prevent your tractor or trailer being stolen:
1.Making a mark and keeping records
Marking or customising your farm equipment will ensure that your property is easily identifiable and will deter thieves.
It will also help An Garda Siochana to return any recovered property to you in the event of a theft.
You should keep receipts, documentation or photographs of your property in a safe place to assist An Garda Siochana should you be the victim of a theft.
The IFA initiative Theft Stop allows you to both ID mark your property and keep secure records. You can register for free at online and once registered, you will get a unique security ID that you can use to brand or mark your property.
Once registered with TheftStop, you have access to a secure online personal profile, in which you can upload photographs and other information or distinguishing features about your property.
Engraving your Theft Stop ID in a discreet location will further enhance your security and this mark should also be recorded in your personal profile. All new trailers come with a manufacturers serial number and you can record the details as additional information in your Theft Stop profile.
2.Alarms and tracking
Many companies offer alarm and tracking devices for trailers, horseboxes and cattle trailers.
This is not a one-size-fits-all area and care should be given to ensuring that the company is reputable and registered appropriately.
You should examine the services on offer carefully and choose a solution that suits your immediate needs.
3.When buying
The second-hand market for trailers and horseboxes is a busy place and care should be taken when buying a used item.
Ask for proof of ownership and be suspicious of anything that seems out of the ordinary. Never view such good in a public car park or other public place.
Theft Stop crime prevention month moves to Galway for the month of May and IFA Crime Prevention Executive Colin Connolly will be available at various locations in the county to give security advice and to promoting the Theft Stop initiative, in partnership with An Garda Siochana.