Van security; a potential threat

Vans are an essential asset for businesses, with more than four million of them currently on Britain’s roads. It is therefore crucial for businesses to understand van security and how to minimise the risk of potentially costly vehicle thefts.

In August 2020, Freedom of Information requests from British Police Forces showed that almost 10,000 vans were stolen across the UK in the previous 12 months. Following this, Logistics UK’s Van Policy Working Group raised vehicle security as a significant issue for van operators and launched a survey in August this year to hear from users about the impacts of van crime and identify potential measures that could be taken.  

The survey showed more than one third of respondents had a van stolen in the last 12 months, and more than half had experienced content theft from their vehicles. Van-related crime can have many impacts on a business, including increased operational costs and reputational damage, as well as staff and customer retention difficulties. As a result, the findings of the survey will be discussed by Logistics UK’s Van Policy Working Group at its autumn meeting to identify appropriate solutions or actions that Logistics UK can campaign for on van users' behalf. 

Due to its growing importance, van security will also feature on the packed agenda at Logistics UK’s upcoming Van Operational Briefing event on 6 November 2020. Other topics to be covered include fleet electrification, enforcement and trailer safety, and recent developments on urban restrictions, such as the latest information on air quality schemes. 

The event, sponsored by AA, Bott Ltd, Brigade Electronics, Hertz UK, Lex Autolease, Quartix and TVL, will take place virtually and will use state-of-the-art technology to create an engaging and immersive experience. Delegates will have the opportunity to engage with leading logistics industry suppliers online in the Exhibition Hall, as well as have the ability to download brochures, thought leadership content and whitepapers showcasing the latest technical innovations.  

Places at Logistics UK’s Van Operational Briefings can be booked for £75 + VAT per person and is open to both members and non-members. To find out more, and to secure your place today, visit logistics.org.uk/vob or call 03717 11 22 22.