Ford Transit 350 most stolen van, Travis Perkins research reveals

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request, submitted to the DVLA by builders merchants Travis Perkins, has revealed that between 22 October 2023 and 22 October 2024, Ford Transit 350 topped the league of stolen vans, with 635 stolen during the period.

In second and third place are the Mercedes Benz Sprinter 313 CDI and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 314, with 624 and 577 incidents of theft, respectively, over the 12 months,.

Meanwhile the Ford Transit Custom 290 Eco-Tech came in fourth with 321 thefts followed by the Ford Transit 125 T350 RWD in fifth place with 214 thefts recorded.

Ford had more vans stolen than any other manufacturer, with 6,152 vans stolen in total, maling up over half (53%) of all stolen vans.

The researchers said that Ford vans are a prime target for thieves, due to their high resale value, which attracts organised crime groups who are eager to make a profit from stolen vehicles.

Transit vans also often carry expensive tools and equipment, making them extremely attractive to thieves looking to swiftly steal valuable items.

Additionally, the design of the Ford Transit, which lacks modern security features found in newer models, leaves it more vulnerable to break-ins and theft.

Mercedes-Benz (1596) and Peugeot (837) follow Ford as the second and third most stolen van makes.

When it comes to colours overall, white vans are the most stolen (8,538), followed by silver vans (1,187) and grey vans (601).

A spokesperson for Travis Perkins, said: “Vans are essential tools for tradespeople, often carrying thousands of pounds worth of tools and equipment, so it’s unsurprising they’re a target for thieves. Recent data on the most stolen vans in the UK highlights the critical need for enhanced security measures.

“For businesses and self-employed tradespeople alike, the financial and operational impact of a stolen van can be devastating—not only is the vehicle lost, but the downtime from missing tools and disrupted schedules can lead to lost income and damaged reputations.

“We urge van owners to invest in high-quality security upgrades such as deadlocks, GPS trackers, and secure tool storage. Parking in well-lit, busy areas and using steering wheel locks or immobilisers can also act as effective deterrents.”