Police are issuing a warning to trailer owners following a spike in the rate of thefts.

A total of 15 incidents of thefts of horse, livestock or flatbed trailers were reported in 2018.

Dorset Police Rural Crime Team are offering advice to trailer owners as to how they can keep their ones secure, especially during the summer months.

A spokesman said: "In 2018 we saw 15 reports of trailer thefts and we saw the biggest rise during June and October.

"Follow these simple steps to reduce the risk of you becoming a victim of this type of theft."

The police recommend that people put their postcode on the roof of their livestock or horse box, as this will make the trailer easily identifiable.

They also suggest that people have their trailers marked with a security marking scheme such as Datatag or other available systems.

The spokesman said: "Insurance discounts are available for fitting certain devices to machines. Check with your insurer for more details.

"Machines fitted and registered with certain security markings are four times less likely to be stolen and our six times more likely to be recovered if they are stolen."

Other measures to take include installing locks and alarms onto trailers.

The spokesman said: "Trailers should be security marked and secured using a wheel clamp, hitch lock and consider using a security posts to secure.

"Consider an appropriate ground anchor with strong high CEN rated padlock and chain.

"Trailers can also by secured by reversing up to a solid object such as a wall and then placing a bucket or other heavy implement over the hitch to prevent removal."

Trailer owners can also put a 'Police Stop Me' sticker to the rear of their trailers, which are available in A3 and A5 size.

However, these stickers are only available to members of Farm and Horse watch.

To get one, email ruralcrimeteam@dorset.pnn.police.uk with the following details: name, address and the quantity of stickers required and the sizes.

Anyone witnessing a crime should call 999 to report it to the police.