Van thefts near 12,000 with Ford most targeted make
Van thefts in the UK approached 12,000 between October 2022 and 2023, according to figures from the DVLA.
Travis Perkins obtained the figures through a Freedom of Information request. They revealed that 11,578 vans were recorded as stolen between 22 October 2023 and 22 October 2024, with Ford’s accounting for more than half of all thefts (6,152).
Ford tops van thefts list
Of these, 635 were Ford Transit 350, making it the most stolen van model in the UK.
Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz (1596) and Peugeot (837) were the second and third most stolen van makes.
A spokesperson for Travis Perkins, said: “Vans are essential tools for tradespeople, often carrying thousands of pounds worth of tools and equipment, so it’s unsurprising they’re a target for thieves. Recent data on the most stolen vans in the UK highlights the critical need for enhanced security measures.
“For businesses and self-employed tradespeople alike, the financial and operational impact of a stolen van can be devastating—not only is the vehicle lost, but the downtime from missing tools and disrupted schedules can lead to lost income and damaged reputations.
“We urge van owners to invest in high-quality security upgrades such as deadlocks, GPS trackers, and secure tool storage. Parking in well-lit, busy areas and using steering wheel locks or immobilisers can also act as effective deterrents.”
