A study by comparethemarket.com predicted that the annual thefts of vans in the UK could hit figures of over 20,000 vans stolen by 2030. This year they have suggested that around 12,000 vans will be stolen, which would make a 169% increase over the last five years. They also looked into which areas in the UK suffer the highest van theft rates and also factors the items often stolen from vans if the vehicle itself is left.
Van Theft Figures
Figures for van thefts have been steadily increasing; in 2019, 8072 vans were recorded as stolen, whereas in 2015, this was just 4457 just four years, and there was an 81% increase. The estimated total for 2020 was 10,928 vans, and in 2021, 12,669 vans. This is equivalent to approximately 12 vans stolen each day in 2015. Now we are looking at around 30 to 35 vans being taken daily without consent. The study suggests that this figure will rise to 56 per day by 2030.
Worst Areas for Van Theft
Broken down by region, the most van thefts unsurprisingly were in Greater London. They predict that in 2020, 2232 vans will be stolen based on the fact that in 2019 it was recorded that 1504 vans were taken. Ranking second is the East Midlands, where 2019 saw 188 vans stolen, significantly less than the capital city. But if experts are correct, by 2030, the region can expect to see approximately 479 vans stolen that year. The safest region was north England, where only 59 vans were stolen in 2019, which has led to predictions of 87 vans in 2022 and 149 vans in 2030.
The complete list of regions is as follows, with Greater London being the most targeted area and North England being the safest for van thefts.
- Greater London
- East Midlands
- Yorkshire and Humberside
- North West England
- South East England
- East England
- Wales
- South West England
- West Midlands
- North England
What Are Thieves After?
Another factor that is probably of no surprise to most people is that 67% of van break-ins where the vehicle is left, but the contents were stolen are targeting those with tools on board. With that in mind, people are still reminded that they should empty the van of valuables overnight and display clear signage that states no valuables are left in the vehicle overnight. It is also worth installing lock boxes or extra locks on items that cannot be removed. Loud van alarms, ensuring you secure the vehicle well, parking in lit areas and using a garage where possible are also recommended safety additions.