For all vehicle owners, theft is an ever present threat. But some vehicles present a more attractive opportunity for thieves than others. While you might think that would refer to souped-up sports cars and prestige vehicles like BMWs and Mercedes’, the fact is that horseboxes are today at an increasingly high risk of being stolen.
In the past month alone there have been numerous incidents involving the theft of horseboxes around the country.
In Wenvoe in South Wales, a large horsebox was stolen from its owner’s home in the middle of the night. In this instance, not only was the horse box lost, but also a quad bike and a range of equestrian equipment which were stored inside it. Police are investigating, but as such vehicles are quickly given new number plates and even resprayed, solving the theft and retrieving the vehicle can be next to impossible. Significantly in terms of insurance, if the owner had insured the horsebox but not its expensive contents, they may be significantly out of pocket.
Another Horsebox theft took place in Wales on November 21st this time in Ffairfach. In this instance the theft of an Ivor Williams horsebox is believed to have taken place between late afternoon and mid-morning the following day, possibly highlighting the additional opportunities presented to thieves by the shorter daylight hours at this time of year.
Are horsebox thefts on the increase?
In another instance of horse equipment theft recently, leading international event rider James Adams has had more than £25,000 of equestrian equipment stolen from his tack room near Darlington. Not only was the room stripped bare, the thieves even took four rugs from the backs of Mr Adams’ horses. This again highlights the depths that thieves will go to in order to get their hands on horse equipment that can be sold off for a good price.
Sometimes though, the thieves don’t ultimately get away with it. Christopher Clarke, a Derbyshire thief who was already on bail for handling stolen cars, was recently caught and convicted when he attempted to steal a horsebox from a field in Ashbourne. In this instance, police were laying in wait following a tip-off, and watched Mr Clarke and another man cut their way into the field and taking the horsebox, before moving in and arresting them.
Why they’re attractive to thieves
There are a number of reasons why horseboxes are an attractive target to thieves. Firstly, they have a relatively high value and can be easily sold on, usually to unwitting purchasers. Secondly, they often contain further valuable items within them, as was the case with the Wenvoe theft. Finally, they’re often stored in remote areas away from major urban centres, so making the theft an easier opportunity for an experienced thief.
Cover your horsebox for theft
Such stories highlight the need to ensure that you have a horsebox insurance policy which covers you against the possibility of theft. If you’re not using you’re horsebox for a while, such as during the cold winter months, then it might be tempting to let your insurance lapse while it’s not on the road. While this might save a bit of money in the short-term, what will the cost be if your uninsured horsebox is stolen?
Even if you are currently insured against theft, you should check that this is sufficient to cover any valuable items you may have stored in it. Additionally, check the small print to make sure that you’re covered for theft wherever you may be, whether at home or at a show.