Vans 'exposed to theft in the UK'

Vans throughout the country are prone to thieves, with 21 vans broken into every hour throughout the UK, figures show.

Van owners are exposing their vehicles to theft throughout the UK, statistics show.

Research from Direct Line for Business shows 21 vans are broken into every hour in the UK, with a number of overlooked safety measures being the source of the problem.

For example, 51% of vehicles do not have an alarm fitted, the company reveals, while 42% do not have an immobiliser.

In addition to this, 16% of drivers do not lock their vehicles, which Direct Line believes makes it "no surprise" that 560,000 vans have been broken into over the last three years.

Commenting on the findings, Simon Henrick of Direct Line for Business, says: "The loss of your tools or stock can have a severe impact on your business and not having them covered makes it far more costly than it needs to be."

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Mark Monterio, insurance expert, comments:

"If van theft statistics continue in this vein then insurers will have little choice but to increase premiums. Van owners should ensure that they either empty their vans or make them more secure."