PURCHASERS of second-hand trailers need to be aware of the risk of buying stolen goods.

Thieves are becoming more blatant and one horse owner had a Richardson trailer taken from her drive by thieves, who made so much noise removing her wheel clamp that a neighbour thought they must be friends.

Buyers are advised to check for the chassis number, which can be traced back through registration services to ensure it belongs to the vendors.

Some insurers say they will not cover a trailer unless the chassis number is supplied.