Only two in five stolen vans recovered, DVLA data reveals

More than 11,000 vans were stolen in 2024 but just two in five were recovered by police, new data from the DVLA reveals.

A Freedom of Information Act request made to the DVLA by Direct Line van insurance found that 11,273 vans, worth an estimated £200m, were reported stolen across the UK last year. That equates to an average figure of 31 thefts a day.

But while 4,450 vans were recovered, three in five (61%) never made it back to their owners.

And while van thefts declined in 2024 compared to 2023, Direct Line warns that the continued high number of thefts highlights the ongoing issue of van security and the need for increased preventive measures.

Eva Sandstra-Bennett, van product manager at Direct Line business insurance, said: “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.”

The Ford Transit was the most targeted model in 2024, with nearly 6,000 stolen (5,906), accounting for more than half (52%) of all thefts. Given the Ford Transit is the UK’s most licensed van, its popularity makes it a prime target for criminals.

But 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.

Source: DVLA and Direct Line business insurance 2025