Is the Ford Transit Van the most stolen vehicle in the UK?

The Ford Transit has topped the UK’s most-stolen van list, but with simple upgrades and precautions you can reduce risks and protect your livelihood.

“No tools left in this van overnight” – a common warning to deter theft.

Everyone has seen the warning stickers, but for many van owners the risk is bigger than losing tools — it’s losing the van itself. Stolen vehicle recovery experts have confirmed the Ford Transit is the most-stolen van in the UK, followed closely by the Mercedes Sprinter. Older models with weaker security are particularly vulnerable, but even modern vans are targeted by gangs using high-tech “keyless” theft methods.

High-tech theft

Criminals now bypass on-board computers to simply drive vehicles away. Keyless techniques accounted for thousands of thefts in London alone, with stolen vehicles often dismantled within hours and shipped abroad.

Reduce your risks

Today’s vans are equipped with alarms, immobilisers and coded keys, but owners can boost protection further:

• Retro-fit mesh or blanked panels to glazed rear doors.
• Install bulkheads to protect cargo areas.
• Add simple deterrents like steering locks, handbrake locks, lockable fuel caps and wheel nuts.
• Security-mark valuable tools and equipment to aid recovery.

Invest in technology

Upgrade alarms, fit advanced immobilisers or install a GPS tracking device to improve recovery chances and potentially reduce insurance premiums. Anti-theft devices are also available to protect catalytic converters, a growing theft target due to their precious metals.

Did you know?

• The first Ford Transit was built in 1965 at Langley, Berkshire.
• Jeremy Clarkson once drove a Transit hover-van on Top Gear.
• Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was built on a Transit chassis.
• In 1972, Scotland Yard dubbed it “Britain’s most wanted van” due to its use in 95% of bank raids at the time.

Information courtesy of Maun Motors.