- More than 9,500 vans reported stolen in UK in 2025
- Equates to one van being stolen every 55 minutes
- Most vehicles never recovered
- Even short periods without a vehicle can quickly lead to lost income
- Invest in physical locks and tracking devices and park securely overnight
A van was stolen every 55 minutes in the UK last year, according to new industry data.
More than 9,500 vans were reported stolen across the UK last year, highlighting the continuing problem of light commercial vehicle theft.
New figures based on DVLA data show that 9,522 vans were recorded as stolen during 2025, according to research compiled by Direct Line Business Insurance. That equates to one van being stolen every 55 minutes.
Most of those vehicles were never recovered, with around three in five remaining missing. Based on average used van values, the total cost of stolen vans last year is estimated to be around £77 million.
Stolen vans means disruption for trades and businesses
Losing a van means far more than simply replacing the vehicle itself.
Research among UK trades shows that access to a van remains central to daily work, and almost two-thirds of those surveyed said losing their van would significantly affect their ability to operate. A further quarter said it would still cause some level of disruption.
Even short periods without a vehicle can quickly lead to lost income. Among tradespeople who rely on vans, respondents estimated average daily losses of around £420 when they are unable to work because their vehicle is unavailable.
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.”
Low recovery rates also remain a key concern. With most stolen vans never returned to their owners, businesses face the challenge of sourcing a replacement vehicle while dealing with operational downtime.
While security technology has improved in recent years, van theft remains a persistent issue in many parts of the UK. Insurers, industry bodies and Select Van Leasing experts recommend layered security measures such as physical locks, tracking devices and secure overnight parking.
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