The Defender is a great off-roader, renowned for its rugged charm and go-anywhere capability....
Owning a horsebox is obviously a big investment, in terms of both money and time spent on it. Unfortunately, horseboxes can also be attractive targets for thieves, as they can be quickly driven away, often without a trace. So, to safeguard your pride and joy, you do need to take a proactive approach to its security.
Horsebox theft has been on the rise in recent years, so it’s really important to take action. In this article, we’ll look at some practical and effective ways to protect your horsebox; to help prevent it from being stolen in the first place, and to help you and the police get it back if it does sadly go missing.
If you can implement a number of these precautions together, then even better!
1. Install a GPS tracker
A GPS tracker is one of the most effective tools to help you recover your stolen horsebox. These devices allow you to monitor its location in real-time, often via an app on your phone. Many modern trackers come with geofencing features, sending you alerts if your horsebox moves outside a designated area. There’s a lot out there, but those with Thatcham certification will have passed rigorous testing and are deemed to be of a high standard.
When choosing a GPS tracker, look for a device with a long battery life, discreet installation and reliable coverage. They do need to be hard to find when installed as otherwise they could be quickly disabled and removed.
Subscribing to a monitoring service can also ensure your horsebox’s quick recovery in the event of theft - do remember to keep any subscriptions up to date, however.
2. Fit a wheel clamp and a steering lock
Wheel clamps are an excellent physical deterrent, making it nearly impossible for thieves to drive off with your horsebox. Clamps should be robust and certified by a trusted security organisation. Look for a model that fits securely to your wheels and resists cutting or drilling. Choose one that’s easy (for you!) to fit and remove, but still offers maximum protection.
Make sure also that the steering lock is a decent, heavy-duty one - it’ll take some time to be removed by a thief, without a key, and this is exactly what you want.
If you want to go even further, you can get a clutch lock too, although they can be a little tricky to fit if there isn’t much room to bend down to install them.
3. Install an alarm system
A loud alarm system can scare off potential thieves and alert you or people nearby to any suspicious activity. Horsebox alarms are designed to detect unauthorised entry, movement or tampering. Some of the more advanced models can also integrate with the GPS trackers we mentioned above, and send alerts directly to your phone.
Consider placing visible alarm stickers on your horsebox’s windows to act as an additional deterrent - thieves are less likely to target a horsebox that clearly has decent security measures in place.
4. Use security cameras
Lots of people install security cameras these days, which act both as a deterrent and also then provide footage for you to take to the police to help identify the perpetrators of any crime committed. Like with the alarm system, it’s worth advertising the fact that you have them installed as a deterrent. Some people put up fake cameras, which may put thieves off, but obviously wouldn’t help if the thieves or vandals go ahead with their business.
5. Fit an immobiliser
If your horsebox hasn’t come with an immobiliser, it’s a really good idea to fit one, as this prevents the vehicle from moving even if it’s been hot-wired without a key or fob.
6. Secure your doors and windows
Don’t make it easy for them! Make sure to lock your horsebox up properly, especially when you aren’t in it, and close the curtains or blinds if possible so that people can’t see what you’ve got inside. Don’t leave tack or equipment on show.
While modern horseboxs generally come with sturdy locks, upgrading to higher-security versions can provide extra peace of mind for you. Keyed-alike systems are also a decent option to consider, allowing you to use one key for all locks so you could upgrade everything in one go.
For windows, consider fitting locking mechanisms or secondary locks to hopefully prevent forced entry. Also, don’t leave spare keys lying around in the horsebox where they could easily be seen or found.
7. Choose a secure storage location
If you’re not using your horsebox for extended periods, consider storing it in a reputable storage facility. Look for sites with facilities that have robust security measures, including CCTV, gated access and regular walk-arounds.
8. Use a safe
If you’re storing money and high-value items, it’s worth investing in a safe that you can put somewhere discreet. You could also use a UV pen to discreetly mark your valuable items with your contact details. This makes it harder for thieves to sell stolen goods and somewhat increases the chances of their recovery if they’re found.
9. Consider using a horsebox cover
When your horsebox is not being used for a while, a high-quality cover not only protects against the elements but also helps hide the vehicle from opportunistic thieves. Using one with locking straps or cables will prevent it from being easily removed, and generally make it a bit of a time-consuming faff for thieves to find out what’s underneath.
10. Take some common-sense precautions
This might include always parking your horsebox in well-lit areas when travelling, using a CCTV camera at home to monitor your driveway, and avoiding leaving valuables visible inside your horsebox, especially when it’s parked or unattended. Be sure to keep a record of your horsebox’s details, including its serial numbers, unique features, and some photos, in case the worst does ever happen.
So there’s a decent amount of options for you to consider when it comes to your horsebox’s security. Having a horsebox stolen is a distressing experience, but by implementing as many of these security measures as possible, you can significantly reduce the risk of it happening to you.
Be mindful also that many insurers will specify their required security measures, but sadly some owners do not comply with these conditions. If their vehicle is then stolen, the claim could be dismissed - don’t let this happen to you.
Let us know of any other security measures that owners could take in the comments!
