17/02/2026
These figures are crazy. Get in touch if you'd like to add additional security or tracking to your vehicles.
A van was stolen every 55 minutes in the UK last year
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More than 9,500 vans were reported stolen across the UK last year, according to new data from the DVLA, underscoring the ongoing problem of light commercial vehicle theft.
Figures compiled by Direct Line Business Insurance show that 9,522 vans were recorded as stolen during 2025 — the equivalent of one van every 55 minutes. The majority were not recovered, with around three in five vehicles remaining missing.
Based on average used van values, the total cost of stolen vans is estimated to be approximately £77 million.
Disruption for trades and small businesses
For many operators, the loss of a van represents more than just the value of the vehicle. Research among UK tradespeople indicates that access to a van remains central to day-to-day work, with most respondents stating that theft or serious damage would disrupt their ability to trade.
Almost two-thirds of those surveyed said losing their van would significantly affect their ability to work, while a further quarter reported that it would cause some level of disruption.
Even short periods without a vehicle can carry financial consequences. Among tradespeople who rely on vans, respondents estimated average losses of £420 per day when unable to work due to vehicle unavailability.
Eva Sandstra-Bennett, van product manager at Direct Line Business Insurance, said van theft “continues to destroy livelihoods across the UK. When a van is stolen, tradespeople aren’t just faced with the cost and stress of replacing their van, many also face almost immediate loss of income if they can’t work. With a van stolen every 55 minutes, the impact on hardworking professionals is severe.”
Recovery rates remain a concern
The relatively low recovery rate continues to be a major issue. With most stolen vans not returned to their owners, businesses face the combined challenge of sourcing a replacement vehicle while managing operational downtime.
While theft prevention technology has improved in recent years, van crime remains persistent across many regions. Industry bodies and insurers continue to emphasise the importance of layered security measures, including physical locks, tracking systems and secure parking practices.
