Van Security Matters: Addressing the Growing Threat of Light Commercial Vehicle Theft

Statistics show that the number of passenger cars stolen continues to be at its highest level since before the pandemic. However, the theft of – and from – vans seems to be forgotten or ignored.

Losing your car through theft can be upsetting, annoying, or even traumatic. It can cause unnecessary trouble with claims administration, disrupt travel to and from school or work, and may even result in financial loss.

The theft of a van, however, can be far more serious. It could mean the loss of work, the loss of goods being delivered, the loss of contracts, the loss of the tools of your trade, and in some cases, the loss of the company itself. So why isn’t more being done to prevent this situation?

The need for security on vans is a complex question. Unlike passenger cars, the variety of use cases for vans is broad, making it difficult to determine the correct level of anti-theft fitment and investment.

Too much security, and the florist, baker, or fishmonger – who leave their vehicles empty or rarely unattended – may not want to pay the additional cost. Too little, and tradespeople carrying expensive tools (especially overnight) or delivery drivers needing automatic ‘slam lock’ security may have to consider other alternatives.

This presents a design dilemma for OEMs: should they design vans with extensive anti-theft measures, raising the vehicle’s sales price for cost-conscious buyers such as fleet operators, or provide minimal security, forcing some owners to fit their own aftermarket devices?

The latter approach doesn’t send a positive message to purchasers and forces owners to pay up to £1,800 per vehicle for aftermarket locks and shields to protect the vehicle and its load area – a task most would assume would be addressed during the design stage. Furthermore, installing these additional locks often requires cutting or drilling holes into body panels, potentially voiding the manufacturer’s corrosion warranty (bare metal edges can be painted, but swarf can still fall between panels).

OEM Solutions and the Ford Example

Ford has reacted to the increased demand for security and now offers a paid optional security package for new Transit vans. Currently, this is only available in the UK, with additional locks fitted post-production by an external partner at the import centre. While uptake percentages are unknown, this demonstrates the importance of addressing van security.

In the future, a better solution may be to develop a line-fit option, possibly modular, and potentially offered as a paid upgrade through the OEM dealer network post-production. Similar to Ford’s approach, this would allow customers to purchase a high-security variant tailored to their specific use case and risk at the point of sale. Designing a line-fit option could increase OEM profitability, appeal to a wider range of buyers, and provide owners with a full corrosion and paint warranty.

SBD Automotive could conduct a survey of van owners across key markets to assess demand for such options. Our specialist engineers could also collaborate with OEM design teams to develop a series of packages suitable for different use cases.

Why Expertise Matters More Than Ever

As expectations rise and threats evolve, OEMs need partners who understand both the technical and criminal landscapes. With more than 30 years of experience in vehicle anti-theft systems, SBD Automotive supports manufacturers at every stage of this journey.

From physical testing and benchmarking to concept development and mass production, SBD Automotive helps OEMs set realistic targets and deliver measurable improvements. Continuous global research into theft trends and electronic attack methods ensures emerging threats are identified early, before they become costly market issues.

Crucially, SBD Automotive also supports manufacturers through vehicle launches in new markets, helping ensure positive outcomes in insurance and regulatory assessments, and keeping programmes on track so that security targets are met before vehicles ever reach customers.

The Bigger Picture

Van theft, including theft of goods and tools from load areas, is often viewed as a ‘second-class crime’ compared to car theft, as vans are assumed to be company-owned. The reality, however, is that many vans are owned by individuals, self-employed tradespeople, or small businesses. Even for large fleet vehicles, downtime and repair costs are passed on, and the potential loss of productivity is a national concern.

Van theft cannot be solved by any single player. It is a complex, economically damaging issue driven by organised crime, evolving technology, and global demand for low-cost vehicles and replacement parts. Effective solutions require coordination among manufacturers, insurers, law enforcement, fleet operators, tradespeople, and even governments. This should be supported by improved vehicle security, better parts traceability, and stronger cross-border law enforcement collaboration.

What is clear is that the era of treating vans as “second-class citizens” in terms of vehicle security and anti-theft design must end. The stakes are simply too high.

SBD Automotive Expertise

Jim Day  Senior Consultant SBD Automotive

“Reflecting the market growth, somewhat inevitably, LCV theft has become alarmingly high – seriously effecting vehicle owners, business’s and indirectly driving up costs for the general public.

With over 30 years’ experience of working with OEMs and suppliers to design and develop practical, cost-effective design solutions, SBD Automotive prides itself in understanding the latest criminal methods, tools, tactics, trends and motivations from around the world. Our specialist engineers are experienced in digital assessments, countermeasure proposals and physical vehicle testing, supporting OEM’s through the target setting, design and development processes.”

To explore how these trends impact your strategy and operations, we invite you to get in touch for a deeper discussion. Email info@sbdautomotive.com to connect with one of our team of experts to discuss your requirements further.