Don’t fall victim to van crime this autumn, warns Logistics UK

October and November were the peak months for van thefts in 2025, according to research from the insurance sector¹, and as the nights draw in, business group Logistics UK is urging businesses to review their vehicle security before theft brings operations to a standstill.

Industry analysis shows a van is stolen every 46 minutes in Britain², leaving businesses exposed to costs that extend far beyond replacing the vehicle itself. The disruption caused by van crime can be immediate and severe and, in addition to the value of the vehicle, businesses may face the loss of tools, equipment or cargo, cancelled jobs, missed deliveries and employees being unable to work.

11,273 vans, with an estimated combined value of £200 million, were reported stolen in England, Wales and Scotland during 2024 which equates to an average of almost 31 thefts every day². With only two of every five vans stolen recovered by police², Logistics UK is urging businesses to take preventative measures to minimise the risk of being a victim of crime.

“A van is not simply a means of transport,” commented Logistics UK Chief Executive Ben Fletcher. “They are the workhorses of the UK economy with one in ten workers – 3.4 million people – relying on a van for their job. Vans are essential for a broad range of industries, from engineering and construction to emergency and rescue services and van crime, whether stolen contents or the vehicle itself, can have significant consequences especially for smaller operators.”

Logistics UK is advising businesses to take a layered approach to security, combining operating procedures, visible physical deterrents, protection for vulnerable access points and technology that can support vehicle recovery. 

Seven steps van operators can take now

Logistics UK recommends that businesses consider the following actions as part of a wider vehicle-security review:

• Protect the keys: Keep keys away from doors and windows and, for keyless vehicles, consider storing them in a suitable signal-blocking (Faraday) pouch.
• Choose parking carefully: Use well-lit, overlooked or securely controlled locations wherever possible.
• Remove valuables: Avoid leaving tools, equipment, documents or other high-value items in the van overnight where practical.
• Add visible physical security: Use appropriate door, steering wheel or pedal locks to increase the effort needed to steal or enter the vehicle.
• Consider tracking and immobilisation: Select systems appropriate to the vehicle, its usage and the potential business impact of theft.
• Brief drivers: Make sure drivers understand key-control arrangements, parking expectations and how to report suspicious activity, attempted theft or a stolen vehicle.
• Track your assets: Keep accurate records of vehicles, tools and security products, including serial numbers, photographs and identifying marks. These records can support insurance claims and police investigations after an incident.

To help van operators strengthen their security arrangements, Logistics UK Shop offers a range of products including secure storage solutions, rear and side-door locks, internal and external security shields, pedal lock boxes, steering wheel locks and vehicle-marking kits.

Secure storage boxes are among the Shop’s best sellers, with a range of options from leading brands such as Armorgard, BUNKER and Van Guard. The full range can be viewed here: Secure Storage.

Other security products include the TVG Armadillo Lock, an external locking system designed to reinforce vulnerable vehicle access points, and Milenco Pedal Locks which are engineered to exceed the Sold Secure Gold standard and immobilises the van by fully enclosing the pedals.

“These products provide a physical barrier and strong visual deterrent to potential thieves,” said Logistics UK’s Head of Retail Operations Tim Hyde. “Unfortunately, while there is no single measure that can eliminate vehicle crime completely, there are sensible, practical steps business can take to minimise risk and operators should consider additional physical security for their vehicles.”

The van-security range is available from Logistics UK Shop: Van Products

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s biggest business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, water and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk

Sources:

¹ Tempcover – The UK’s most stolen vans

² DirectLine –  Van theft epidemic – 31 vans stolen everyday across the UK