AUTO LOCKSMITHS
Hot Wheels- 31 Vans Stolen Every Day
A staggering 11,273 vans1, worth an estimated £ 200 million2, 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 PER CENT) 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 per cent) 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 per cent) of total vans retrieved.
‘ Individual prevention remains the most effective way to deter thieves’
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.
Top Five Most Stolen Van Models Model
Number Stolen in 2024
1 Ford Transit 5.906 5.8
2 Mercedes Sprinter 1,492 7.5
3 Peugeot Boxer 524 7.7
4 Vauxhall Vivaro 423 1.6
5 Citroen Relay 405 6
Source: DVLA and Direct Line business insurance 2025
Eva Sandstra-Bennett, Van Product Manager at Direct Line business insurance commented:“ 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,
Thefts per every 1,000 licensed vans
• 11,273 vans worth an estimated £ 200 million were reported stolen last year
• Three in five stolen vans are never recovered
• Ford Transit was the most stolen model
• Peugeot Boxer had the highest theft rate
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.”
1. 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.
2. 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 25-02-25. The total number of vans stolen in 2024 is 11,273. Multiplying these figures make £ 194,053,422-https:// www. autotrader. co. uk / car-search? make = Ford & model = Transit & postcode = rm6 + 4tb & advertisi ng-location = at _ cars & page = 2
www. directlineforbusiness. co. uk
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MARCH 2025
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