February 2022
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Article<br />
Van Theft<br />
FIVE WAYS TO KEEP THIEVES AT BAY<br />
With van theft set to double over the next decade, Comparethemarket.com reveals the areas<br />
and models most at risk, and offers up five top tips to protect your van and its contents.<br />
Comparethemarket.com has predicted<br />
future levels of van theft could double in<br />
the next decade, after research found an<br />
81% increase from 2015 to 2019.<br />
The research also highlights the makes and<br />
models of vehicles that are most at risk and the<br />
most frequently stolen contents from a break-in.<br />
During 2015, 12 vans were being stolen each day<br />
across the country, rising to 35 vans during 2021.<br />
Comparethemarket.com predicts that the level of<br />
theft could reach as high as 56 thefts per day by<br />
2030, equating to over 20,000 stolen vans<br />
annually.<br />
Regional theft rates<br />
The lowest levels of theft have been reported in<br />
the North of England, followed by West Midlands,<br />
South West of England and Wales. Unsurprisingly,<br />
Greater London has the highest rate. This area of<br />
the UK saw 1,504 thefts in 2019, rising to 2,033<br />
in 2021, with a predicted 3,827 by 2030.<br />
The van models most at risk across the UK<br />
During 2019, the vans most at risk were Mercedes<br />
Sprinter models. This remains the same in 2021,<br />
as predictions show the Mercedes Sprinter 313<br />
CDI will be the most stolen van model, increasing<br />
by 44 annual thefts in just two years.<br />
Stolen items<br />
Tools, equipment and personal items are most<br />
commonly stolen from break-ins. Nearly 67% of<br />
break-ins include having tools stolen, and<br />
research shows that only 1% are ever recovered<br />
due to their high resale value, leaving a<br />
devastating impact on tradespeople and their<br />
ability to do their job.<br />
Visit: www.comparethemarket.com/vaninsurance/content/van-theft/<br />
for the full report<br />
and statistics.<br />
FIVE TIPS TO AVOID VAN THEFT<br />
Motoring experts at Comparethemarket.com<br />
have made the following suggestions to keep<br />
your van, and its contents, as safe as<br />
possible amid rising levels of theft:<br />
1Lock your van Simple? Yes, but<br />
remembering to always lock your van is<br />
the first and most essential tip to<br />
protecting your van and its contents. Consider<br />
adding extra security, such as a slam fitted lock which automatically locks the door when it’s shut.<br />
2Add your own safety measures Although a more expensive option, adding a GPS tracker into<br />
your van is worth it, as the police can keep track of your vehicle if it’s stolen, giving you a<br />
much higher chance of getting it and your belongings back. Consider labelling your tools with<br />
a UV pen too, this appears invisible to the naked eye but can be identified by police if your stolen<br />
tools are recovered. Lastly, keep an inventory of your tools – write down the makes and quantities<br />
you have so in the worst case, you can quickly identify what’s been stolen.<br />
3Store valuables safely Don’t leave your valuables on display. If your wallet is on show, keys<br />
visible and tools sprawled, you have a higher chance of thieves peering in. Removing your<br />
valuables each evening is the safest option. However, if your belongings such as your tools<br />
need to be kept in the van, consider investing in a safe that’s been tested and recognised against<br />
crime.<br />
4Think twice about parking Parking in a place that will deter thieves will likely lower your<br />
chances of a robbery. We recommend parking so that your doors are inaccessible, i.e. against<br />
a wall or fence, blocking direct access to them. This will help avoid ‘peel and steal’ – the<br />
common tactic where a door is wrenched off without the use of any tools. Think sensibly and park in<br />
a guarded, busy and well-lit area, with CCTV around whenever possible.<br />
5Insurance A van<br />
insurance spokesperson<br />
at Comparethemarket.com<br />
says: “Having insurance won’t<br />
prevent your personal items,<br />
tools or van from being stolen,<br />
but it can make the aftermath<br />
less stressful. It is worth<br />
spending the time understanding<br />
what your insurance covers, if you don’t already know, or before you take out a new policy. This way<br />
you can be confident that your van and your contents are covered in the worst-case scenario.”<br />
62 TC FEBRUARY <strong>2022</strong>