Where Are the UK’s Van Theft Hotspots?

The Ford Transit is the most stolen van in the UK. It comes before other vans like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Peugeot Boxer, Vauxhall Vivaro, and Citroën Relay. Ford is at the top, with the Peugeot Boxer also high on the list of stolen vans.

The places people talk about the most are London, the West Midlands, West Yorkshire, and South Yorkshire. Big cities like Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds show up in many theft reports.

Vans often have valuable tools and equipment inside. Many types of vans are also worth a lot if you sell them or use them for spare parts. Because of this, thieves can make more money taking vans than regular cars.

Yes. Vans that are parked on open driveways or on the street in cities with high risk often get stolen more than the ones kept in locked compounds. A secured garage or a monitored car park is also much safer for your van.

In many cases, the answer is yes. Insurers may lower the premiums if vans have steering wheel locks, immobilisers, trackers, or alarms that are Thatcham-approved.

Yes, it can. The cost to insure a van is higher if there is a risk of theft. The risk goes up if your van model is often taken or if you live in a place known for break-ins.

Use security devices that people can see. Always park in a safe place. Take all your tools out when you leave for the night. Put your key in a faraday pouch. You can also think about adding a tracker and upgrading your immobiliser.

You can look at van insurance quotes from many different companies. This helps you find a cheaper price and the right cover for how you use your van.

Yes. The latest van theft statistics from insurer reports show that most van theft happens at night. Most thefts take place between 11pm and 5am. This is common in postal towns that are inside or close to big cities. It is also true that weekends have a higher risk. On weekends, vans stay parked for a longer time, which means there is easy access for thieves.

A recent Freedom of Information Act request shows that van theft is still a problem for van security. Direct Line’s research found the overall theft numbers went down a little in 2024 compared to 2023. Even so, police efforts helped get some vans back in some areas. But the total number of vans stolen each year stays high across the country.

Yes. Van theft warnings still point to areas in England, South Wales, and Northern Ireland as places with a high risk. This is mostly where trade vans get used the most, and where thieves can send out vans or van parts fast to Europe. The risk depends on your postcode more than just your country.

Reports show that hotspot places like Thornton Heath and nearby postal towns often have lots of trade vehicles, high demand for parts, and fast ways to resell. This mix leads to more vehicle theft, tool theft, and other related crime than in rural places.

Industry case studies show the devastating impact that losing a van can have on van owners, tradespeople, and small firms. The people don’t just lose the vehicle. They also lose their tools, time, and money. A lot of van owners find out how big the problem is only when the notification comes from the insurance company. By that time, their work is already late.

Yes. Recent studies say that more tools get stolen where van crime is up. This happens a lot in London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Reports from FOI show that thieves often pick vans parked in busy postal towns where it's easy to get in and out at night.