Inn-Track warns van operators of evolving theft threat
Neil Thomas, head of investigative services at Inn-Track
Light commercial vehicle (LCV) operators across the UK should take a more proactive approach to security as criminals adopt increasingly sophisticated methods to target vans and other commercial fleet vehicles, according to Inn-Track, the vehicle tracking and recovery service from Innovation 24.
It cites figures suggesting that in 2024 alone, 11,273 vans were reported stolen across the UK, fuelled in part by electronic ‘relay’ attacks that exploit keyless entry systems, as well as targeted thefts of vans carrying tools or high-value goods.
For operators, the knock-on effects – from missed deliveries to reputational damage – can far outweigh the cost of replacing the stolen vehicle, says Inn-Track.
The theft of a single vehicle can create costly disruption. Deliveries are delayed or cancelled, customer commitments are missed and replacement hire vehicles eat into operating budgets. For tradespeople, the loss of tools stored in vans can halt work entirely, forcing project delays and a loss of revenue.
Insurance claims can take weeks to process, and even then, the payout may not cover the full cost of a replacement vehicle or lost earnings. Reputational damage is harder to measure but can be significant – a customer let down once may think twice before rebooking. For many fleets, the biggest loss is the operational downtime that stems from a vehicle theft.
“Factory-fitted alarms and immobilisers still have their place, but they’re no longer enough on their own,” said Neil Thomas, head of investigative services at Inn-Track.
“Professional thieves know how to bypass standard security systems. The best defence is a layered one – combining technology, procedures and the ability to recover a vehicle quickly if the worst happens.”
Modern tracking systems can pinpoint a stolen vehicle’s location within metres and monitor it in real time, enabling a more timely response, but the thieves often know how to strip out tracking devices or bypass standard security systems. The police do not always have the time and resources to follow up reports of stolen vans and other commercial vehicles.
Inn-Track says its covert devices are designed to remain operational even if a thief disables the vehicle’s battery or electronics. Operating in a way that is almost indetectable, they can be tracked in a variety of environments – from city streets to rural backroads and even within certain buildings. But technology alone is not enough.
“We have trained human recovery teams who analyse location data, work closely with law enforcement, and act fast,” Neil Thomas added.
“This combination of discreet technology and human expertise means many of our recoveries take hours, not days.”
According to Inn-Track, security experts recommend that fleets:
- Assess risk: Identify theft hotspots, high-risk times and insecure parking areas.
- Layer deterrents: Use physical measures like steering locks and secure compounds alongside electronic tools like trackers and immobilisers.
- Train drivers: Encourage best practice for locking vehicles, securing keys and reporting suspicious activity.
- Plan for incidents: Have a clear process for contacting police, insurers and your tracking provider immediately.
As vehicle technology advances, so do criminal tactics. The rise of GPS jamming means trackers must be resilient to interference, says Inn-Track, while convenience features such as keyless entry have created new vulnerabilities. For fleets, prevention and recovery must go hand in hand.
“Security is about staying a step ahead – and making sure that if a thief takes your vehicle, you get it back fast, with minimal disruption to your business,” Neil Thomas concluded.
