Hot wheels - 31 vans stolen every day

• 11,273 vans worth an estimated £200 million were reported stolen last year
• Three in five stolen vans are never recovered 
• Ford Transit was the most stolen model
• Peugeot Boxer had the highest theft rate

A staggering 11,273 vans1, worth an estimated £200 million2, were reported stolen across the UK in 2024, averaging 31 thefts a day, according to new analysis by Direct Line van insurance. 

Just two in five (39 per cent) stolen vans were recovered by the police - totaling 4,450 vans. While van thefts have declined in 2024 compared to 2023, the high number of thefts highlights the ongoing issue of van security and the need for increased preventive measures.

Among stolen vans, the Ford Transit was the most targeted model, with nearly 6,000 stolen (5,906), accounting for more than half (52 per cent) of all thefts. Given the Ford Transit is the UK’s most licensed van, its popularity makes it a prime target for criminals. Despite this, more than 2,000 (2,041) Ford Transits were successfully recovered by the police, comprising nearly half (46 per cent) of total vans retrieved.

Amongst 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 

Source: DVLA and Direct Line business insurance 2025

Eva Sandstra-Bennett, Van Product Manager at Direct Line business insurance 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."

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors:  

1. Freedom of Information Act request made to the DVLA in February 2025 on how many vans were recorded stolen following a notification by the police broken down by model and how many vans registered as being licensed in the years 2023 and 2024.

1. The average price of a secondhand Ford Transit is £17,214. This was calculated as an average of 34 secondhand Ford Transits listed on AutoTrader on 25-02-25. The total number of vans stolen in 2024 is 11,273. Multiplying these figures make £194,053,422-https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?make=Ford&model=Transit&postcode=rm6+4tb&advertising-location=at_cars&page=2

For further information please contact:  

Direct Line Group  

Unni Henry  

PR Manager 

Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk  

About Direct Line business insurance 

Launched in 2007 Direct Line business insurance now has over half a million customer policies, providing a flexible range of insurance products for the landlord, van and small business sectors. 

Direct Line business insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. 

Direct Line business insurance and U K Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc. 

Customers can find out more about Direct Line business insurance products or get a quote by calling 0345 301 4827 or visiting https://www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk