Wigan man urges vigilance after attempted trailer theft in early hours

The video shows a 4x4 pull up outside Matt’s address on Westbourne Close before reversing back towards the flatbed trailer.

A hooded thief, whose features are difficult to make out due to being obscured by the vehicle’s lights, attempts to connect the trailer before suddenly getting back into the vehicle as it pulls forward.

The 4x4 then makes a getaway in the direction it had originally come.

Matthew, who uses the trailer in his work as a site agent and when not at his job, says his next-door neighbour heard a noise and looked out to see what was going on just before the thieves abandoned their attempt and left the scene.

He is now urging other residents in the area to be on their guard and take steps to prevent items such as trailers being taken.

Matt, 37, said: “My next-door neighbour woke up and that disturbed them.

“They reversed into the trailer and it made a noise that woke him up. He went to the window and they fled. He then came outside and rang me straight away. It’s a massive relief he heard what was happening.

“I use the trailer for all sorts so it would have been a major headache for me had itbeen stolen.

“Even if people have a lock on their trailers they should park something in front of it if they can so it can’t go. People need to remain vigilant.

“My worry is that it was targeted. They came straight up and reversed straight to the trailer, which makes me think they knew it was there.”

The incident has been reported to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

Matt has also posted about the attempted theft on a social media community page for Spring View to alert residents to the possibility of offenders trying to operate in the area.

Anyone with information about this incident should call police on 101 or ring independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.