41% Of UK Van Drivers Leave Tools In Vans Overnight, Ignoring Theft Risks

Published: Thursday, July 18, 2024, 20:36 [IST]

Tool theft continues to be a significant issue for UK businesses, with 1 in 5 van drivers affected last year. According to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles research, the average value of stolen equipment per van exceeds £1,700. This results in a staggering £1.64 billion loss for UK tradespeople.

Despite a slight improvement in the number of thefts year-on-year, over 15,400 cases were reported to police forces across the UK. A Freedom of Information request revealed this ongoing prevalence. The impact extends beyond just replacing tools; it also includes unplanned downtime and potential increases in insurance premiums.

The majority (57%) of tool theft victims experience unplanned downtime while restocking their vans and repairing locks. This downtime can cost companies an estimated £550 per day per van, adding to the financial strain on businesses already feeling economic pressures.

Moreover, 41% of UK van drivers still leave equipment in their vehicles overnight. Of these, 37% admit that the value of tools left exceeds £2,000. This practice increases the risk of theft and subsequent financial losses.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offers several solutions to help van drivers protect their vehicles. The all-electric ID. Buzz Cargo comes with an anti-theft alarm system as standard. It includes interior monitoring in the cab, a back-up horn, and towing protection.

When activated, the anti-theft alarm system sounds the horn and activates hazard lights to alert passersby of any intrusion. John Ricardo-Neto, Head of Product Planning at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, emphasised the importance of vigilance against tool theft.

"The cost of theft is more than just the price of the tools stolen," Ricardo-Neto said. "It’s the downtime while van drivers replace the stolen equipment, higher insurance premiums, and lost revenues."

Advice for Van Drivers

Ricardo-Neto urged those with expensive equipment to take extra precautions. He advised securing or removing tools overnight and parking in well-lit areas monitored by CCTV. For additional security, Volkswagen's range of theft prevention technologies can offer extra protection.

Further tips on how van drivers can protect their vehicles are available from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. For more information on their range of products and support, visit one of their local Van Centres or read more online.

The research data was gathered through a OnePoll survey conducted in December 2023 among 1,000 UK van drivers covering that calendar year. Another survey conducted in February 2023 covered the previous year’s data.

A Freedom of Information request submitted by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles to 45 police forces across the UK provided additional insights into tool theft incidents for 2023. Out of these forces, 22 responded with relevant data.

The cost calculation for stolen tools nationally was based on a mode value multiplied by 19% of UK van parc (SMMT). This resulted in an estimated total loss amounting to approximately £1.64 billion.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has been a reliable partner for nearly 70 years since introducing its first Transporter model in the UK. Their diverse range now includes commercial and passenger-carrying models like Caddy, Transporter, Crafter panel vans, Multivan passenger carrier, and various campervans including ID. Buzz Cargo all-electric models.

The company remains committed to providing individuals and businesses with dependable products and aftersales support tailored to their needs.

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