Fleets and drivers are being warned to take action to protect their vans as Tracker publishes new data on keyless theft.
Figures for 2021 reveal that 89% of vans stolen and recovered by Tracker were taken without the thief having possession of the keys – roughly the same as 2020 and up from 44% in 2016.
Its data also shows the Ford Transit was the most stolen van it recovered in 2021. The best-selling van accounted for 64% of all Tracker LCV recoveries, followed by the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Peugeot Boxer and Vauxhall Combo.
Tracker added that with keyless entry systems becoming increasingly commonplace, the data on keyless thefts was no surprise. It also warned that van owners and tradespeople need to be extra vigilant as tools and equipment worth thousands of pounds are frequently stored in vans too. According to a survey carried out by Screwfix, 49% of tradesmen leave tools and equipment in their van overnight.
But it’s not just tools that are at risk and Tracker has also revealed that opportunistic thieves are known to use stolen vans to take extra assets from the scene of the crime.
Clive Wain, head of police liaison for Tracker, said: “One of our most notable stolen LCV recoveries last year saw thieves use a company’s £30,000 transit van to load up thousands of pounds worth of IT and plant equipment that was onsite worth over £200,000. If Essex police hadn’t been able to re-trace the van’s journey using its Tracker device, then it’s highly likely the stolen equipment would have never been found.”
Wain added: “Whether the victim is a sole trader, small business or larger fleet operator, the theft of a van will have a financial impact such as the loss of work, cost of replacing tools and equipment, and a likely increase in insurance premiums. However, there are security barriers that can be used to deter thieves, such as CCTV, traditional steering wheel locks and wheel clamps.
“If the vehicle has a keyless entry system, when it’s not in use, place the van’s key fob into a signal blocking pouch which is lined with layers of metallic material. This will stop a key’s signal from being intercepted by would-be thieves. In the event of a van being stolen, an SVR solution will significantly increase the chances of it being quickly recovered and returned before it’s sold on, stripped for parts or shipped abroad.”
Additional costs of van theft:
Tool replacement – If your van is driven off with all your tools on board you will face a major bill. The average collection of manual and power tools in a trade vehicle can be worth thousands. Even if they’re insured, it can take weeks to source and order replacements.
Rising insurance premiums – If your van is stolen, your insurance premiums rise – making it more expensive to run your van or fleet.
Administration costs – Dealing with the fallout of having your van stolen. Sourcing replacement tools, hiring temporary vehicles, reporting the theft to the police, organising road tax refunds, taxing and insuring a replacement vehicle.
Loss of business – When a van is stolen, it hits productivity hard. If your business is small, you may even find yourself unable to serve customers — and that can damage your reputation and impact future business.
