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