Van Theft: Which Makes & Models Are Most Targeted by Thieves?

It’s data that’s useful to everyone in van, tools and business insurance. Here’s the word;

Van thefts across the UK fell by 16% from 2024 to 2025, with the frequency of incidents slowing from one every 44 minutes in 2024 to every 52 minutes in 2025, according to the latest DVLA data obtained via a Freedom of Information request. 

Despite the overall downward trend, high-demand commercial models, essential for tradespeople, remain a primary target for theft based on new analysis by Tempcover, experts in temporary van insurance.

Ford Vans Dominate UK Van Theft Figures

Ford accounted for the highest volume of thefts during the two-year period of 2024 and 2025, with over 11,700 thefts recorded. This represents 53% of all recorded van thefts – almost four times the total of the second most targeted make, Mercedes-Benz (2,935).

However, this volume likely reflects Ford’s strong market presence. With 31,936 new registrations in 2025 (38% market share)[1], the prevalence of Ford vans in theft data is indicative of the high volume on UK roads and subsequent exposure to risk.

Ford Transit is Most Targeted by Thieves

The Ford Transit 350 was the UK’s most stolen van model, with 1,309 incidents in 2024 and 2025 combined, accounting for around 6% of all van thefts over the period. Ford Transit variants feature heavily across the top ten most stolen models, alongside the Mercedes Sprinter.

Across the two years, the Ford Transit Custom 300 Base had the largest theft increase among the top 10 models, rising 60.87%. In comparison, the Ford Transit 100 T280 FWD saw the largest fall (-46.50%).

Outside the top 10, among vans with over 100 thefts over the same period, the Ford Transit Custom 300 Trend saw the largest increase, rising from 49 thefts in 2024 to 116 in 2025 (136.73%).

White Vans Top Theft List And Are Disproportionately Targeted

The data highlights a significant disparity in vehicle colour, with white vans accounting for 73% of all thefts in the last two years. Across 2024 and 2025, 16,121 white vans were stolen – more than seven times higher than the next most frequent target, silver (2,140). Grey (1,286), blue (920), and black (818) vans follow, but at significantly lower levels.

While white is the most common van colour, representing more than half of all vans in 2024, the theft rate of 73% suggests these vehicles are being targeted at a rate that exceeds their market share.

Van Thefts Vary by Region

The data also reveals that van thefts are not evenly spread across the UK, with certain areas seeing significantly higher volumes, although this is largely influenced by population size and vehicle density. The (B) Birmingham postcode area recorded the highest volume over the last two years  (1,446), followed by (S) Sheffield (695), and (GU) Guildford (577).

The Danger Months: Van Theft Spikes

While overall thefts fell from 11,962 in 2024 to 10,013 in 2025, monthly trends reveal specific peaks throughout the year. In 2024, thefts peaked in January (1,276), followed by March (1,087) and April (1,067). In 2025, the highest levels were recorded in October (912), November (876), and July (871).

Despite the 16% year-on-year decline, van theft remains a persistent issue – a trend that underlines both the progress made and the ongoing risk to van owners and tradespeople.

To help reduce the risk of van theft, Claire Wills-McKissick, temporary van insurance expert at Tempcover, shares the following security recommendations:

1. Never leave your van unlocked or the engine running without you in it: Whether you’re dropping off equipment or making a quick pit-stop, always switch off your engine and secure your van. A few seconds is all a thief needs to seize the opportunity.

2. Secure your keys: Keep keys on your person or store them in an RF-blocking (Faraday) pouch or sleeve when not in use to prevent opportunistic relay-attack theft.

3. Use visible security deterrents: Steering locks, brake locks, or wheel clamps can act as a physical barrier and can deter or slow down potential thieves.

4. Install alarms, immobilisers, or tracking devices: Ensure the van is fitted with modern alarms to provide an immediate alert, immobilisers to prevent the van from being driven, and tracking devices for recovery if a theft occurs.

5. Keep tools and equipment out of sight: Store valuable equipment and tools securely in the back of your van, in lockable internal racking, or, where possible, remove them from the vehicle overnight to eliminate a primary incentive for break-ins.

6. Park wisely: Park in well-lit, busy areas or monitored sites. Utilising a locked garage,  private driveway, and areas covered by security lighting and CCTV can significantly reduce the likelihood of a vehicle being targeted.