A staggering 11,273 vans, worth an estimated £200 million, were reported stolen across the UK in 2024, averaging 31 thefts a day, according to new analysis by Direct Line van insurance.
Just two in five (39%) stolen vans were recovered by the police – totalling 4,450 vans. While van thefts have declined in 2024 compared to 2023, the high number of thefts highlights the ongoing issue of van security and the need for increased preventive measures.
Among stolen vans, the Ford Transit was the most targeted model, with nearly 6,000 stolen (5,906), accounting for more than half (52%) of all thefts. Given the Ford Transit is the UK’s most licensed van, its popularity makes it a prime target for criminals. Despite this, more than 2,000 (2,041) Ford Transits were successfully recovered by the police, comprising nearly half (46%) of total vans retrieved.
Amongst the top five most stolen van models, the Peugeot Boxer had the highest proportion of vans stolen compared to the number of licensed vans on the road, with 7.7 thefts per 1,000 licensed vans.
Eva Sandstra-Bennett, Van Product Manager at Direct Line business insurance, comments, “Van theft has a devastating impact on the businesses and individuals who rely on their vans for their daily lives and work. It isn’t just the cost of replacing a van, there is the lost income if businesses can’t make deliveries or if tradespeople can’t get to the site.
“While police efforts in recovering stolen vans is commendable, individual prevention remains the most effective way to deter thieves. This includes keeping keys in a Faraday pouch, parking in well-lit areas, using a steering wheel lock, and installing a tracker or immobiliser. Additionally, removing valuables like tools overnight can further reduce the risk of theft. Prioritising van security and having the right insurance cover can help prevent costly disruptions and keep your vehicle safe.”
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