The Ford Transit has been named as the most common vehicle to be stolen, according to the Association of Chief Police Officers Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (AVCIS).

"Due to the sheer number of these vehicles and the huge market for stolen parts, these vehicles are very popular with criminals,” said detective chief inspector Mark Hooper, head of AVCIS.

“The vehicles are stripped for parts, which are sold on the internet before the larger components are sold as scrap metal.”

Meanwhile, Ford said it has a dedicated research and development centre working to reduce the risk of its vehicles being stolen.

It also pointed out that its new Transit cannot be driven away without the keys – meaning fleet managers need to be particularly vigilant where keys are stored and who has access to them.

AVCIS suggests that van fleets build security duties and responsibilities into drivers’ contract of employment.

“Contracts should make clear that drivers will face disciplinary proceedings or dismissal if they fail to carry out these duties,” advises Hooper.

“Include your company’s security instructions in the driver’s introduction to the company and driver’s handbook. Use photo identification cards for drivers and keep signed photos of all drivers for your personnel records.”

AVCIS has provided guidelines for fleet managers to help prevent their vans from being stolen.

• Ensure drivers never leave keys in the ignition when away from the vehicle
• Get staff to wear identification and/or challenge people they don’t know
• Remind staff to adopt a ‘need to know’ ethos when discussing routes/consignments with drivers and consignees, and do not discuss this is public places
• Secure vehicles when making deliveries
• Always check the identity of individuals if approached prior to entering a delivery destination, call the dispatch office to confirm the redirection of your delivery
• Ensure drivers protect their identity, including documents and company-issued clothing. Thieves use shipping orders, consignment notes and company paperwork along with high visibility clothing to impersonate employees and collect loads
• Watch out for incorrect or short loading by careless or dishonest warehouse staff, even those not directly involved with loading
• Never disclose information to telephone callers without verifying who they are.
• Consider using the Road Haulage Association’s Security Audit Service (www.rha.net/rha-national-training).

The top 10 most stolen vehicles of last year were:

• Ford Transit
• Ford Fiesta
• Vauxhall Astra
• Vauxhall Corsa
• Volkswagen Golf
• BMW 3-Series
• Ford Escort
• Ford Focus
• Ford Mondeo
• Vauxhall Vectra