Van Theft in the UK: What Tradespeople Need to Know
The Real Risks Facing Tradespeople and Businesses
Van crime continues to affect thousands of UK tradespeople every year, with vehicle theft and tool theft creating financial strain and operational disruption for small businesses.
Latest figures show that in 2024 alone, more than 11,000 vans were stolen across the UK, equating to roughly 31 vans every day. The total estimated value of these vehicles was close to £200 million, yet recovery rates remain low, with fewer than four in ten stolen vans ever returned.
This is not a short-term spike. Between 2016 and 2019, over 43,000 vans were reported stolen nationwide, showing that van theft remains a persistent risk rather than an isolated trend.
Which Vans Are Targeted Most
Predictably, the most common vans on UK roads are also the most attractive to criminals.
The Ford Transit remains the UK’s most stolen van, accounting for more than half of reported van thefts in 2024.
Other frequently targeted models include:
Mercedes Sprinter
Peugeot Boxer
Vauxhall Vivaro
Citroën Relay
Strong demand for parts and resale makes these vehicles appealing to organised theft networks.
Tool Theft: Often the Bigger Loss
In many incidents, thieves don’t steal the van itself — they steal what’s inside.
Police data shows thousands of tool thefts from vans each year. In Essex alone, over 2,300 thefts from vans were recorded between 2022 and early 2024, with construction tools and electrical equipment the most common targets.
In London, reported tool theft rose by around 70% over four years, reaching nearly 9,600 incidents in 2024.
For many tradespeople, replacing specialist tools is more disruptive than replacing the vehicle.
Where Stolen Vans and Tools Go
Stolen vans are often stripped for parts or given false identities before being shipped overseas. UK enforcement agencies have linked recovered vehicles to export routes heading to the Middle East and Africa.
Stolen tools typically move faster through resale channels such as online marketplaces, informal sellers and car boot sales, making recovery unlikely.
Reducing the Risk
No single security measure is foolproof, but combining protections makes theft far less attractive. Key steps include:
Additional deadlocks and visible steering locks
Approved immobilisers and tracking devices
Secure or well-lit parking
Removing tools overnight
Marking and registering equipment
Insurance is equally important. Ensuring both your van and tools are insured for accurate values helps reduce financial impact if theft occurs.
Why It Matters
Van crime disrupts livelihoods. Missed jobs, lost income and reputational damage can all follow a single incident. With theft levels remaining high, prevention and appropriate insurance remain the strongest defence.
