Tracker warns that the UK has now entered van theft season

Following reports that tool thefts from vans in London rose by 70% in 2024, stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) expert Tracker Network UK Limited is highlighting the significant and growing threat to van security and tradespeople's livelihoods. The very act of thieves targeting tools inherently puts the entire vehicle at immediate risk of costly damage or theft, with Tracker data suggesting that the UK has now entered van theft season.

In 2024 alone, Tracker successfully recovered more than £1.6 million worth of stolen Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs), demonstrating the prevalence of van-related crime across the UK. May 2024 saw the highest number of stolen van recoveries of any month, with more than £300,000 worth of vans recovered, almost 20% of the year’s total value.

Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison at Tracker, explains: "Criminals targeting valuable tools understand that vans are their mobile storage units. Their primary goal might be the tools inside, but this immediately compromises the security of the van itself. Thieves will often damage locks, force entry, or even steal the entire vehicle to gain access to the contents. This isn't just about the financial loss of tools and the subsequent impact on earnings; it's about the potential loss of the van, the disruption to business operations and the significant stress and inconvenience caused.

“The financial implications of van-related crime are substantial. Beyond the cost of replacing stolen tools and repairing damage to the vehicle, tradespeople face lost working days, increased insurance premiums and the emotional distress of being a victim of crime. Van owners must take proactive steps to protect their vehicles and their valuable contents. Layering multiple simple security measures can significantly deter thieves and increase the chances of recovery if the worst does happen.”

Tracker SVR solutions work like an electronic homing device. A covert transmitter is hidden in one of several dozen places around the vehicle. There is no visible aerial, so the thief won’t know it’s there. The combination of VHF with GPS/GSM technology, unique to Tracker, makes its units resistant to GPS/GSM jamming, which allows the stolen vehicle to be located even if stored underground, in a metal container, or if shipped to Europe.  Tracker is the only SVR provider offering vehicle tracking systems that are supported nationwide by U.K. police forces.

Tracker’s Top Tips for Protecting Your Van:

• Double lock: Enhance standard security with additional deadlocks and steel-clad locks, which are far more resistant to picking. Consider slam locks for doors, ensuring they automatically lock upon closing – ideal for those making frequent stops.
• Guard against keyless theft: If your van has keyless entry, invest in a Faraday bag to block electronic key fob signals, preventing thieves from exploiting this vulnerability both on-site and at home.
• Reinforce entry points: Prevent thieves from prising open sliding doors by installing an extra lock at the top or reinforcing the top section of the doors.
• Park smart: When parking, position sliding or rear doors against a wall to make access more difficult and time-consuming. Opt for well-lit areas to deter opportunistic "peel and steal" attacks, where thieves cut open the side of the van.
• Keep watch: Visible CCTV cameras, even if just a doorbell camera or dashcam with ‘Parking Mode’ that activates when the van is disturbed, can make an effective deterrent against would-be thieves.
• Double up on security: Supplement the van's existing security with additional alarms and immobilisers to deter thieves and prevent them from driving off, even if they manage to break in.
• Secure your tools: The most effective deterrent is to remove tools from vans overnight and store them securely in a locked storage box within a garage or building. If tools must stay in the van, a tool safe could keep them secure in the event of a break in.
• Track it to get it back: Install a Thatcham-approved tracking device such as those available from Tracker. This significantly increases the chances of police recovering your van quickly and can help bring the perpetrators to justice.