A total of 11,273 vans worth an estimated £200 million were reported stolen across the UK in 2024, new research by Direct Line has revealed.
Working out at an average of 31 thefts a day, just two in five (39%) of the stolen vans were recovered by the police – with the total standing at 4,450 vans.
Ford Transit was the most targeted model of van, with 5,906 stolen in 2014. Representing more than half of the thefts (52%), Direct Line said that Ford Transit is the UK’s most licensed van, with its popularity making it a ‘prime target’. Of the stolen Ford Transits, 2,041 were recovered.
Of the top five most stolen van models, the Peugeot Boxer had the highest proportion of vans stolen compared to the number of licensed vans on the road, with 7.7 thefts per 1,000 licensed vans.
Table one: Top five most stolen van models in the UK
| Model | Number stolen in 2024 | Thefts per every 1,000 licensed vans | |
| 1 | Ford Transit | 5,906 | 5.8 |
| 2 | Mercedes Sprinter | 1,492 | 7.5 |
| 3 | Peugeot Boxer | 524 | 7.7 |
| 4 | Vauxhall Vivaro | 423 | 1.6 |
| 5 | Citroën Relay | 405 | 6 |
Eva Sandstra-Bennett, van product manager at Direct Line, commented, “Van theft has a devastating impact on the businesses and individuals who rely on their vans for their daily lives and work. It isn’t just the cost of replacing a van, there is the lost income if businesses can’t make deliveries or if tradespeople can’t get to the site.
“While police efforts in recovering stolen vans is commendable, individual prevention remains the most effective way to deter thieves. This includes keeping keys in a Faraday pouch, parking in well-lit areas, using a steering wheel lock, and installing a tracker or immobilizer. Additionally, removing valuables like tools overnight can further reduce the risk of theft. Prioritising van security and having the right insurance cover can help prevent costly disruptions and keep your vehicle safe.”
