White van owners in the UK are facing a growing epidemic of vehicle theft, with over 11,500 vans stolen between October 2022 and October 2024. The majority of these stolen vehicles are white vans, with Ford models being the primary target.
According to recent data, 53% of all stolen vans were manufactured by Ford, with 6,152 vehicles taken. Eight of the top 10 most stolen vans were variations of the popular Ford Transit model. The Ford Transit Custom remains the most purchased van this year, with 14,346 registrations, followed by other Ford models like the Ranger and standard Transit.
Experts warn that the theft of these vans can have a devastating impact on businesses and self-employed tradespeople, as the vehicles often carry thousands of pounds worth of tools and equipment. “Vans are essential tools for tradespeople,” said a spokesperson for Travis Perkins. “The financial and operational impact on businesses can be devastating as it could prevent them from taking jobs.”
To combat this issue, experts are urging van owners to invest in high-quality security upgrades. Recommended measures include installing deadlocks, GPS trackers, and secure tool storage. Drivers are also advised to park in well-lit, busy areas to deter potential thieves. Additional security measures such as steering wheel locks and immobilisers can further protect vehicles from theft.
The theft epidemic comes as white van owners expressed relief about Labour’s decision to scale back the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, allowing them to keep their diesel vans for longer before switching to hybrid or electric models. One tradesperson noted, “It’s a big expense if we had to fork out the money for a new van, so it’s nice to keep on using this one.”
Security Measures to Protect Your Van
To protect against theft, van owners can take several steps:
- Invest in deadlocks and GPS tracking devices
- Use secure tool storage solutions
- Park in well-lit, busy areas
- Consider steering wheel locks and immobilisers
By taking these precautions, white van owners can reduce the risk of their vehicles being targeted by thieves and minimize potential financial losses.
