Revealed: Van theft is on the rise and is set to increase 62 per cent by 2030

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  Posted by: electime      13th July 2022

  • Annual van thefts are predicted to double in the next decade to over 20,000
  • Londoners are victim to the highest number of stolen vans annually
  • Mercedes Sprinter 313 CDI set to be the most stolen model during 2022

Comparethemarket.com has predicted future levels of van theft could double to 20,000 in the next decade after research found an 81 per cent increase from 2015 to 2019. The research also highlights the makes and models of vehicles that are most at risk and the most frequently stolen contents from a break-in.

During 2015, 12 vans were being stolen each day across the country, rising to 33 vans during 2022. Comparethemarket.com predicts that the level of theft could reach as high as 56 thefts per day by 2030, equating to 20,000 stolen vans annually.

The lowest levels of theft have been reported in the North of England, followed by West Midlands, South West of England and Wales. Unsurprisingly, Greater London has the highest rate and could see over three thousand van thefts during 2030 alone.

Daily levels of van thefts across the UK

Rank Region Daily Van Thefts in 2019 Predicted Thefts 2022 Predicted Thefts 2030
1 Greater London 1,504 2232 3,827
2 East Midlands 188 280 479
3 Yorkshire and Humberside 145 215 368
4 North West England 112 166 284
5 South East England 110 163 280
6 East England 104 154 263
7 Wales 79 117 201
8 South West England 65 96 164
9 West Midlands 61 90 154
10 North England 59 87 149

The van models most at risk across the UK

During 2019, the vans most at risk were Mercedes Sprinter models, this remains the same in 2022, as predictions show the Mercedes Sprinter 313 CDI will be the most stolen van model, increasing to 66 more annual thefts in just three years.

Rank Company  Model  2019 Thefts 2022 Predictions 
1 Mercedes SPRINTER 313 CDI 1460 1526
2 Mercedes SPRINTER 314CDI 1135 1402
3 Ford TRANSIT 350 712 1300
4 Ford TRANSIT 125 T350 RWD 772 1012
5 Ford TRANSIT CUSTOM 290 ECO-TECH 280 511

Tools, equipment and personal items are the most stolen from break-ins

Over 67 per cent of break-Ins include having tools stolen, and research shows that only 1 per cent are ever recovered due to their high resale value, leaving a devastating impact on tradespeople and their ability to do their job.

Rank Item  per cent chance of being stolen
1 Tools 66.7
2 Equipment 55.6
3 Personal items 41.7
4 Electronic devices 25
5 Sale goods 16.7
6 Customer supplies 13.9
7 Van equipment and parts 13.9
8 Cash 5.6

Motoring experts from comparethemarket.com have created useful content and tips on keeping vans and their contents protected, along with the full research. https://www.comparethemarket.com/van-insurance/content/van-theft/