There has been a significant rise in thefts of rental vehicles, which if it continues could lead to a further rise in the cost of renting a car or van.

According to the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) there was a 12% rise in thefts last year - the highest rise for five years.

As a result, the industry was hit with a £7m bill for managing, replacing, recovering and repairing stolen vehicles - an 18% increase on the previous year.

The BVRLA 2008 Theft and Fraud Survey found the cost of vehicle theft to the rental industry was £7,049,165.

However, two of the largest rental providers have told Fleet News that their new theft-prevention measures mean they are bucking the trend.

“At Europcar, incidences of vehicle theft have remained largely static compared with the same period last year,” explained Europcar operations director David Alexander. “This is as a result of more stringent procedures and policies to deal with the higher threat of vehicle theft all rental businesses face.”

Budget Rent a Car also said it has seen no increase.

The BVRLA said thieves are increasingly targeting small and medium-sized rental vehicles, resulting in many rental companies now considering - or already - fitting tracking devices to their volume marques.

Europcar, for example, confirmed that it has fitted trackers to its vehicles.

Thefts of cars and vans during delivery and collection doubled last year.

Vehicle keys were not kept secure and were handed over to unauthorised individuals purporting to be collecting vehicles on behalf of the vehicle rental company, said the BVRLA.

Corporate renters are a particular target. “The real danger point is when the vehicle is being picked up and dropped off,” explained Alexander.

“Unattended deliveries and collections are very convenient but they are also the most risky. Corporate customers and their drivers need to ensure that the risks taken are considered and proportionate.”

Budget also said it has not seen an increase in vehicle thefts. Andy Lewis, head of marketing said this is thanks to the “robust security measures” Budget operates. “Customers must, of course, take measures themselves to protect from possible incidents and we always advise our corporate customers of appropriate procedures to follow accordingly.”