Abstract: The eyelet opening of an eyelet-type trailer hitch is intercepted by a plug comprising two cap sections of sufficient size to overlie the opposite ends of the eyelet opening without passing through, each section mounting one component of a padlock in which the bail component is completely removable from the padlock body component. Secured to each cap section is a shielding sleeve surrounding the associated padlock component and configured to extend into the eyelet opening. When the padlock components are put into locking engagement through the eyelet opening, the cap sections are releasably secured together to block said opening against the insertion of an associated latch component of the hitch.