Annual van thefts predicted to double in the next decade to over 20,000

Over 20,000 vans predicted to be stolen in 2030

According to our research, by 2030 an average of 56 vans will be stolen each day in the UK - a 70% increase from predicted 2022 figures.

Surprisingly, between 2018 and 2019 there was a drop in the number of vans being stolen per year, with 8,483 vans being stolen in 2018 compared to 8,072 in 2019. However, our study indicates by the year 2030, this will, unfortunately, have grown by over double to 20,531 annual van thefts.

The van models most at risk of theft

During 2019, the vans most at risk were Mercedes Sprinter models. This could remain the same in 2022, as predictions show the Mercedes Sprinter 313 CDI could be the most stolen van model, increasing to 66 more annual thefts in just three years.

Below shows the top 10 most stolen vans:

Rank	Company	Van Model	Van Thefts in 2019	Predicted Number of Van Thefts in 2022
1	Mercedes	SPRINTER 313 CDI	1,460	1,526
2	Mercedes	SPRINTER 314 CDI	1,135	1402
3	Ford	TRANSIT 350	712	1300
4	Ford	TRANSIT 125 T350 RWD	772	1012
5	Ford	TRANSIT CUSTOM 290 ECO-TECH	280	511
6	Ford	TRANSIT 100 T350 RWD	434	506
7	Ford	TRANSIT 115 T350L RWD	451	391
8	Ford	TRANSIT 100 T280 FWD	327	363
9	Ford	TRANSIT 100 T260 FWD	279	276
10	Ford	TRANSIT 85 T280S FWD	263	209

Helpful handyman tips to avoiding van theft

Taking into consideration the prevalence of van theft, we have also pulled together 5 top tips for keeping your van, and its contents, as safe as possible. 

1. Locking your van

Simple? Yes, but remembering to always lock your van is the first and most essential tip to protecting your van and contents. 

Consider adding extra security, such as a slam fitted lock which automatically locks the door when it's shut. 

2. Add your own safety measures 

Although a more expensive option, adding a GPS tracker into your van is worth it as the police can keep track of your vehicle if it's stolen, giving you a much higher chance of getting it and your belongings back.

Consider labelling your tools with a UV pen too, this appears invisible to the naked eye but can be identified by police if your stolen tools are recovered.  

Lastly, keep an inventory of your tools - write down the makes and quantities you have so in the worst case, you can quickly identify what’s been stolen.

3. Safely storing valuables

Don't leave your valuables on display. If your wallet is on show, keys visible and tools sprawled, you have a higher chance of thieves peering in.

Removing your valuables each evening is the safest option. However, if your belongings, such as your tools need to be kept in the van, consider investing in a safe that’s been tested and recognised against crime.

4. Think twice about parking 

Parking in a place that will deter thieves will likely lower your chances of a robbery. We recommend parking so that your doors are inaccessible, ie. against a wall or fence, blocking direct access to them. This will help avoid 'peel and steal' - the common tactic where a door is wrenched off without the use of any tools.

Think sensibly and park in a guarded, busy and well-lit area, with CCTV around whenever possible.

5. Insurance 

A van insurance spokesperson at Compare the Market adds; “Having insurance won't prevent your personal items, tools or van from being stolen but it can make the aftermath less stressful. It is worth spending the time understanding what your insurance covers, if you don’t already know, or before you take out a new policy. This way you can be confident that your van and your contents are covered in the worst-case scenario.”