Horsebox theft on the increase in Home Counties.

Horsebox theft is on the increase in the Home Counties, warns South Essex Insurance Brokers, with vehicles left unattended at stables or livery yards being most at risk.

Three vehicles, one worth £30,000, were stolen on one night. After another spate of thefts in early April, one owner located his vehicle after a tip-off and police subsequently recovered it together with five others.

South Essex recommends that, if possible, horseboxes should be kept at home. If not then, owners should look at livery yards or stables with CCTV. Any horsebox left overnight or for long periods should be immobilised, the company suggests.

Another line of defence is to fit a tracking device as this provides a better chance of the vehicle being recovered and the thieves convicted "Tracking systems are now relatively inexpensive compared to the value of the horsebox and any excess an owner might have to pay if it is stolen, "a spokes person said, adding that the company had an "arrangement" with one specialist company and clients should contact them for details.