Utility trailer thefts on the rise

Lafourche Parish Craig Webre has a warning for utility trailer owners: Lock them up good!

Across the nation, the number of reported trailer thefts has been on the rise. “It’s a problem we need to be aware of, and to take precautions to protect our property, he said.

Webre said several utility theft reports have been filed in Lafourche and neighboring parishes, including some trailers that had expensive lawn mowers and other equipment loaded on them.

Owners are advised to park utility trailers in an area that is not easily accessible to a thief. Leaving a trailer in a front yard or along the highway – where a thief could pull up, hook the trailer to a hitch and drive away undetected – is not a good practice.

Security lights installed around the property and a trailer lock, which is available at a hardware store or boat dealer, can go a long way to deterring a thief, Webre said.

“Please take all necessary steps to protect your property,” the sheriff warned.

In the meantime, Webre has authorized deputies to stop vehicles pulling utility trailers to determine if the trailer has been stolen.