Van theft epidemic - 31 vans stolen everyday across the UK
According to research we carried out, a staggering 11,273 vans were reported stolen across the UK in 2024, averaging 31 thefts a day. The combined value of these stolen vans was an estimated £200 million.
Only two in five vans stolen (39 per cent) were successfully recovered by the police, a grand total of 4,450 vans. While van thefts have declined in 2024 compared to 2023, the high number of van thefts highlights the ongoing issue of van security and the need for increased preventative measures.
Ford Transit and Peugeot Boxer are popular targets
The Ford Transit emerged as the most stolen van model, with nearly 6000 thefts (5906), accounting for more than half (52 per cent) of all van thefts.
As the UK's most licensed van, the Ford Transit's widespread popularity makes it an attractive target for thieves. However, more than 2000 (2041) Ford Transits were successfully recovered by the police, comprising nearly half (46 per cent) of total vans retrieved.
According to our research, among 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 1000 licensed vans. The Mercedes Sprinter came in second, with 7.5 thefts per 1000.
Top five most stolen van models in the UK
| Model | Number stolen in 2024 | Thefts per 1,000 licensed vans |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Transit | 5,906 | 5.8 |
| Mercedes Sprinter | 1,492 | 7.5 |
| Peugeot Boxer | 524 | 7.7 |
| Vauxhall Vivaro | 423 | 1.6 |
| Citroën Relay | 405 | 6 |
Source: DVLA and Direct Line business insurance 2025
The impact of van theft on businesses
Eva Sandstra-Bennett, Van Product Manager at Direct Line for Business, highlights the devastating impacts of van theft on business owners. "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 business can't make deliveries or if tradespeople can't get to the site."
Eva also stresses the importance of preventative measures to deter thieves. "While police efforts in recovering stolen vans is commendable, individual prevention remains the most effective way to deter thieves," she says. "This includes keeping keys in Faraday pouch, parking in well-lit areas, using a steering wheel lock, and installing a tracker or immobilizer. 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."
Van theft: looking ahead
Van owners must prioritise security to reduce the risk of theft. Even if you're parking your van in your own driveway, you should still consider taking some straightforward security measures, like installing security lights or a lockable gate.
If you're a van owner, perhaps the best security measure is making sure you're covered. It's worth keeping track of your van's contents as a reminder of how much your tools and equipment are worth, and how much you could lose without the right insurance in place. It's important to have adequate tradesman insurance for your work tools and equipment in case something does go wrong.
Learn more about Direct Line van insurance, and insuring your tools.
If you need to make a claim, please visit our van help page.
Sources:
(1) https://www.directlinegroup.co.uk/en/news/brand-news/2025/18032025.html
(2) Freedom of Information Act request made to the DVLA in February 2025 on how many vans were recorded stolen following a notification by the police broken down by model and how many vans registered as being licensed in the years 2023 and 2024.
(3) The average price of a secondhand Ford Transit is £17, 214. This was calculated as an average of 34 secondhand Ford Transits listed on AutoTrader on 25th February 2025. The total number of vans stolen in 2024 is 11,273. Multiplying these figures makes £194,053,422.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?make=Ford&model=Transit&postcode=rm6+4tb&advertising-location=at_cars&page=2