Data obtained through a Freedom of Information request by Ed-Lock reveals that Ford is the most stolen van brand, with 2,403 reported thefts this year. Ford makes up seven of the top ten most frequently stolen van models.

Mercedes-Benz is the second most stolen brand, with the Sprinter 313 CDI being the most frequently stolen van model for the second consecutive year. Nissan is the third most stolen van brand.

Overall, van thefts have decreased from 15,270 reported cases in the UK in 2022 to 11,714 this year, though Nissan stands out with a 56.1 per cent increase, now totalling 320 reports.

It’s worth noting that vehicle thefts tend to spike in November and December, with the number of reported cases likely to increase in the coming months.

On the other hand, Renault is the least targeted van brand, with only 82 reported thefts this year.

The 10 most frequently stolen van models in 2023:

• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 313 CDI – 727 thefts
• Ford Transit 350 – 713 thefts
• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 314 CDI – 503 thefts
• Ford Transit 125 T350 RWD – 323 thefts
• Ford Transit Custom 290 Eco-Tech – 248 thefts
• Ford Transit 350 LEADER EcoBlue – 192 thefts
• Ford Transit Custom 270 Eco-Tech – 187 thefts
• Ford Transit 100 T280 FWD – 175 thefts
• Ford Transit 115 T350L RWD – 163 thefts
• Nissan Navara Tekna DCI Auto – 155 thefts

The data also reveals that white vans are most likely to disappear from roads, with a total of 8,305 white vans reported stolen this year.

Additionally, London is the most prolific area in the UK for registered van thefts, for the second year running.