IDs Help Prevent Trailer Theft

Lutz residents who own utility trailers might want to take a short drive over to the Brandon area this weekend to take advantage of a program offered by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

The law enforcement agency offers a Trailer Identification Program that enables deputies to more easily identify stolen trailers in the event of theft. Through the program any resident of unincorporated Hillsborough County can have a free permanent identifier placed on their trailer courtesy of the sheriff’s office. A picture of the trailer is also taken for future identification if it becomes necessary.

If a trailer with an identifier is stolen, that marker enables the sheriff’s office to more easily identify connect the property to the owner. The marker also helps deter theft, a sheriff’s office media release said.

To make it easier for residents to take part, the sheriff’s office is hosting a special signup day this Saturday, April 13 from 8 a.m. to noon. During this time period, residents can bring their trailers to 2224 N. Falkenburg Road to have an identification marker added.

Why should trailer owners take part?

“Trailers are very mobile and require very little effort to steal,” the release stated. “The trailers that are stolen with the greatest frequency are trailers under 2,000 pounds.”

The trailers, the release said, often don’t have to be titled and many only have Vehicle Identification Number stickers placed on them. That means it’s easy for thieves to steal them and conceal the theft.

“Most of the stolen trailers are sold as scrap metal or resold to unsuspecting buyers,” the release points out.

For more details on the program, stop by on Saturday or visit the sheriff’s office online.