Van drivers beware, a new survey from Direct Line has revealed that twenty one vans are broken into every hour in the UK.

The need for adequate security is immediately apparent following this study which reveals that vans and what they may contain are a prized coup for would be thieves.

The study from Direct Line for Business showed 560,000 vans, amounting to 16 per cent, were broken into within the last three years, with an additional 35000 drivers being the victim of a van theft in the last twelve months.

Comprehensive

The statistics emphasise why van drivers must ensure they have comprehensive insurance cover which covers them for every eventuality.

Simon Henrick from Direct Line for Business said: "There are over 185,000 vans being broken into a year in the UK, and many drivers are making it an easy earner for thieves.

"Only 33 per cent of drivers we asked had the relevant insurance to cover their contents. The loss of your tools or stock can have a severe impact on your business and not having those covered makes it far more costly than it needs to be."

According to Direct Line's survey, van motorists hardly help the situation as only 36 per cent of drivers empty their van's contents at the end of the day, 51 per cent do not have fitted alarms and 16 per cent don't even lock their doors at night.

Protect

Van drivers are as a result being urged by the police to remove all valuables form their vehicle at night to minimize potential break ins .

The warning comes right on the back of the news that 15 vans have suffered some sort of break in where tools and electrical equipment have been taken in just two weeks. The thieves have been gaining access by breaking door locks and cutting round the rear windows.

Inspector Mark Cuddihy stated: "The best way to stop these offences is to empty your van every night and lock your equipment away. It’s best to not leave vehicles unlocked if left unattended.

"Although it can be inconvenient to empty your van at the end of the day, it is not as inconvenient as having to replace the stolen items," he added.

Insurance companies have also advised Van insurance customers on other foolhardy exploits which could result in the loss of their vehicle.

For instance, motorists have been warned to not leave their vehicles running without being in attendance, in order to warm up their van on chilly mornings, as this type of theft will leave their insurance policy null and void.

The British Insurance Brokers' Association has reiterated that many vehicles were stolen by thieves who work on instinct.

Spokesman Graeme Trudgill commented "You have got to have taken reasonable care and if you have not then your insurer potentially may not pay the claim," he explained.

‘‘However if the owner always had the car in their sight and it was on their property, an insurer may be more likely to react favourably, he added.’’