ProtectAVan supports police-backed vehicle ID scheme for tradespeople

Vehicle security specialist ProtectAVan has announced it is supporting construction technology provider CT1 and the Metropolitan Police Service with the launch of a new pilot scheme designed to deter van theft.

The Vehicle Watch initiative introduces tamper-proof identification stickers which can be applied to vans, notifying police patrols that the driver is willing to be pulled over to verify whether they are the legitimate owner of the vehicle. Initially rolling out in Havering, the pilot is free to join and open to tradespeople with a valid business registration or sole trader status.

Luke Powell, commercial director at ProtectAVan parent firm TVL Group, said: “Van theft continues to place a significant burden on tradespeople, with average losses exceeding £3,000 per incident. Much of this activity takes place between 23:00 and 04:00, which is why a scheme that increases visibility and supports police checks during these hours can make a meaningful difference in reducing risk.

“Working alongside CT1 and the Metropolitan Police Service allows us to deliver a scheme that is straightforward for tradespeople to access and reliable in how it is applied, supporting our ongoing efforts to reduce theft across the sector.”

Participants can choose between a timed or non-timed sticker depending on how their vehicle is used, with timed stickers indicating that the vehicle is expected not to be on the road between 10pm and 4am.

The Vehicle Watch stickers use high-grade retroreflective film to maximise visibility in low light conditions, combined with an industrial-strength adhesive that bonds for the life of the vehicle and cannot be removed cleanly, with any attempt to tamper with a sticker leaving a permanent void pattern, providing an immediate visual warning to law enforcement.

ProtectAVan will carry out all installations at its dedicated facilities at the TVL Group headquarters in Brentwood. The controlled installation process supports the integrity of the scheme by ensuring that stickers cannot be applied or removed without authorisation, helping to prevent fraudulent use.

Inspector Mark Connolly, Metropolitan Police Service and member of the Havering Joint Task Force, said: “Vehicle Watch gives officers an additional way to identify vehicles and respond where something does not look right. Greater visibility and accurate registration can support proactive policing and help reduce opportunities for vehicle-related crime.”

The scheme will be officially launched at the InstallerShow 2026, where CT1 will showcase the initiative from its stand, 5G18. Attendees will be able to learn more about how the Vehicle Watch programme works, why it has been developed in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Service, and how tradespeople can register and book installation through ProtectAVan.

Jimmy Walsh, CT1’s chief executive officer, said: “This initiative has been developed to provide a clear and visible deterrent that supports police activity while remaining simple for tradespeople to adopt. By combining identification with secure registration, the scheme strengthens the link between vehicles and their rightful operators.”