Owners of white vans are dealing with a crime epidemic as thousands of vehicles are being stolen every year, as experts urge motorists to take action
New data has found that more than 11,500 vans were recorded as being stolen between October 2022 and October 2024.
The overwhelming majority of these were white vans being stolen, while criminals targeted Ford and Mercedes-Benz models the most.
In total, 53 per cent of all stolen vans were manufactured by Ford, with 6,152 taken. Eight of the top 10 most stolen vans were a variation of the popular Ford Transit.
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More than 11,000 vans have been stolen in the last 12 months
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The Ford Transit is one of the most common models among tradespeople and businesses. So far this year, the Ford Transit Custom is the most purchased van with 14,346 registrations.
This is followed by other Ford models, including the Ranger (7,147) and the standard Transit model with just under 7,000 sales.
More than half of the vehicles stolen are white, with Britain’s legendary “white van man” left stranded as criminals target the larger vehicles.
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.”
They added that the financial and operational impact on businesses and self-employed tradespeople can be “devastating” as it could prevent them from taking jobs.
Some of the biggest issues for businesses having their van stolen can include losing access to their tools, which can cost thousands of pounds to replace.
The expert urged motorists to take action to invest in “high-quality security upgrades”, including deadlocks, GPS trackers and secure tool storage.
Drivers are also encouraged to park in particular areas where it is busier and there is more light to deter any criminals from targeting the van.
Steering wheel locks and immobilisers are also good ways to put criminals off from attempting to steal the vehicle, as has become a common habit for owners of luxury vehicles.
Several white van men recently spoke to GB News about their relief that Labour’s extension to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate would allow them to keep hold of their diesel vans for longer, before they can switch to a hybrid.
One tradesperson said: “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. We use the van every single day and money is needed for materials etc, so it’s really important that we don’t have to use it on something else.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Drivers have been given extra time to switch to an electric van
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The five most stolen vans in the last 12 months
- Ford Transit 350 – 635
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 313 CDI – 624
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 314 CDI – 577
- Ford Transit Custom 290 Eco-Tech – 321
- Ford Transit 125 T350 RWD – 214
