Jan 20, 2025
HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) — Enclosed cargo trailers seem to be a hot commodity for thieves, and 10 On Your Side has reported several being stolen over the years, and now there's another that's been reported stolen. A man who knows the inner workings of these operations recently spoke with 10 On Your Side and gives some insight which might help trailer owners. Last year, 10 On Your Side reported on a woman whose father's trailer was stolen from her front yard right off of busy Pruden Boulevard in Suffolk. We also covered another stolen trailer belonging to a Boy Scout troop in Chesapeake. Now, a new post in a Chesapeake Facebook page announced another theft, with a commentor saying one had also been stolen last week. So what's going on? A man 10 On Your Side spoke to with knowledge of how the criminals work did not want to be on camera, but said these men will ride motorcycles around the rural neighborhoods to scope out targets. He said they learn when the owner is home and when they can strike. He said the criminals are addicted to meth, heroine and fentanyl, and will do anything to feed their habit — which could also make them dangerous. They'll also strike in broad daylight, he said. He said they'll have an autobody shop take off identifying marks or repaint it completely. And he said the criminals will sell it for anywhere between $300 to the full retail value of the trailer — up to $4,000. He said they're quick to pop off any GPS tracker they find, and they know how to find them. So how can you best protect your investment? He said either keep it completely out of sight, or back your trailer up as close as you can to your house, with your truck attached to it in front. Make it as difficult as possible for these guys to steal it. Another option might be to get a trailer coupler ball lock or a ball mount lock. That way, thieves won't be able to hitch it to the getaway car. You can also try wheel locks or running a chain through the tires, or using an alarm.
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