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Last updated: 18 March 2026

A few years ago, headlines focused on the Ford Transit being widely targeted. Whether you drive a Transit or another popular van, the more useful question today is: what increases theft risk, and what can you do to reduce it?

Why vans are targeted

Vans can be attractive to thieves because they may have significant value on their own and can also contain tools, equipment or stock.

Official UK crime reporting also distinguishes between survey-based estimates from the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) and police recorded crime. These sources can show different patterns, and both are published and explained by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). [1]

Common theft methods to be aware of

Key theft and keyless “relay theft”

Some vehicles with passive (keyless) entry can be vulnerable to relay theft. In this method, criminals amplify the signal from a key fob so the vehicle believes the key is nearby, allowing them to unlock and start the vehicle. Secured by Design outlines how relay theft works and explains preventative steps drivers can take. [2]

Opportunistic theft

A van left unlocked, not fully locked, or parked in a low-visibility area can present an easier opportunity. Police guidance commonly emphasises physically checking that the van is locked and choosing safer parking locations when possible. [4]

Practical steps to reduce van theft risk

No single security measure guarantees protection. However, using multiple layers of security can make theft more difficult and time-consuming.

1) Protect your keys

• Keep keys out of sight near doors or windows at home.
• If you use a keyless fob, consider storing it in a way that reduces relay-theft risk, as recommended by Secured by Design. [2]

2) Make the van harder to take

• Use visible physical deterrents such as steering wheel locks alongside built-in vehicle security.
• Consider additional protection such as alarms, immobilisers or tracking systems where appropriate. Police guidance notes these can help protect and trace vehicles. [3]

3) Park with theft in mind

• Choose well-lit parking areas with CCTV or natural surveillance where possible.
• If possible, park with rear or loading doors close to a wall or barrier to limit access.

4) Reduce “theft from van” risk

Even if the van itself is not stolen, tools and equipment inside can be targeted.

• Avoid leaving tools or equipment visible.
• Use internal storage systems or secondary locks where possible.
• Keep an inventory of valuable items (including photos and serial numbers) so losses can be reported clearly.

If your van is stolen: what to do next

• Report the theft to the police as soon as possible and obtain a crime reference number.
• Contact your insurer promptly and follow their claims process.
• Gather key information such as the vehicle registration, location and time last seen, spare keys, tracker details and any inventory of tools or stock.
• If the van has a tracking device fitted, provide the tracking information to the police.

How van insurance relates to theft

Van insurance often includes theft cover, but the exact terms vary by policy. Factors such as excess levels, security requirements, tool or contents cover and conditions about where the van is kept overnight can differ between insurers.

Checking your policy documents and ensuring security details are accurate can help avoid delays if you need to make a claim.

If you are reviewing your cover, comparing quotes can help you understand what different insurers offer in terms of theft protection and optional add-ons.

Sources

1. Office for National Statistics (ONS) — Crime Survey for England and Wales and police recorded crime. View source
2. Secured by Design — Prevent keyless car theft (“Relay Theft”). View source
3. Metropolitan Police — Preventing car and vehicle theft. View source
4. Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) — Preventing car and vehicle theft. View source