Commercial vehicle operators are being warned to step up protection for their fleets as the UK enters peak van theft season.

New insurance industry data reveals that a van is stolen every 46 minutes across Britain, prompting business group Logistics UK to urge immediate action before theft brings operations to a standstill.

Insurance data shows that October and November were the prime months for van thefts in 2025, leaving businesses exposed to costs that extend far beyond replacing the vehicle itself as the nights draw in.

During 2024, a staggering 11,273 vans were reported stolen across England, Wales and Scotland. The combined value of these vehicles is estimated at £200m, averaging nearly 31 thefts every single day.

With only two of every five vans stolen recovered by police, Logistics UK is urging businesses to take preventative measures to minimise the risk of being a victim of crime.

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.

Logistics UK chief executive Ben Fletcher said: “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.”

Crucial measures to protect van fleets from autumn crime

To combat the autumn surge, Logistics UK advises operators to adopt a multi-layered approach to security, combining operating procedures, visible physical deterrents, protection for vulnerable access points and tracking technology.

1. Protect the keys: Keep keys away from doors and windows and, for keyless vehicles, consider storing them in a suitable signal-blocking (Faraday) pouch.
2. Choose parking carefully: Use well-lit, overlooked or securely controlled locations wherever possible.
3. Remove valuables: Avoid leaving tools, equipment, documents or other high-value items in the van overnight where practical.
4. Add visible physical security: Use appropriate door, steering wheel or pedal locks to increase the effort needed to steal or enter the vehicle.
5. Consider tracking and immobilisation: Select systems appropriate to the vehicle, its usage and the potential business impact of theft.
6. Brief drivers: Make sure drivers understand key-control arrangements, parking expectations and how to report suspicious activity, attempted theft or a stolen vehicle.
7. 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 best sellers, with a range of options from leading brands such as Armorgard, Bunker and Van Guard.

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 immobilise the van by fully enclosing the pedals.

Logistics UK’s head of retail operations Tim Hyde said: “These products provide a physical barrier and strong visual deterrent to potential thieves.

“Unfortunately, while there is no single measure that can eliminate vehicle crime completely, there are sensible, practical steps businesses can take to minimise risk and operators should consider additional physical security for their vehicles.”