According to data from RDW, the Dutch vehicle registration authority, the theft rate for heavy commercial vehicles—those over 3,500 kg designed for goods transportation—has surged by 44 per cent compared to the same period in 2023.
Despite the total number of vehicle thefts remaining almost the same—9,892 in the first half of 2024 compared to 9,831 in 2023—heavy commercial vehicles have seen a worrying increase in theft. In the first six months of this year, 56 heavy trucks were stolen, up from 39 in the previous year.
Volvo has been hit particularly hard, with ten of such lorries stolen, a sharp rise from just three stolen in 2023.
The recovery of these stolen vehicles remains a challenge, with none of the stolen Volvo, Renault, or Terberg trucks being recovered.
Rotterdam is identified as the area most affected by the theft of heavy commercial vehicles.
Increase in light commercial vehicle thefts
Light commercial vehicles, commonly used in goods distribution, have also seen an increase in thefts. In the first half of 2024, 828 light commercial vehicles were stolen, a 6 per cent increase from 2023.
Mercedes-Benz tops the list, with 307 vehicles stolen, followed by Volkswagen with 152. Other frequently targeted brands include Fiat and Peugeot.
The recovery rate for light commercial vehicles remains relatively stable at 34 per cent, with Peugeot leading with a recovery rate of 46 per cent.
However, Mercedes-Benz, the most stolen brand, has a recovery rate of just 27 per cent, underlining the challenges faced by hauliers in protecting their vehicles.
Rising theft in other categories
Motorcycle and trailer thefts also increased in the first half of 2024. Motorcycle thefts rose by 12 percent, while thefts of trailers and semi-trailers increased by 10 per cent. However, trailers and semi-trailers have the lowest recovery rate among all categories at just 16 per cent., making them an attractive target for thieves.
Recovery rates: a continuing challenge
The overall recovery rate for stolen vehicles has remained stable at 35 per cent across all categories. Passenger cars have the highest recovery rate at 41 per cent. Heavy commercial vehicles, however, have a much lower recovery rate of 27 per cent, posing significant challenges for hauliers.
“It is crucial that vehicle owners report theft immediately. The quicker the theft is reported, the greater the chance of recovery,” warns RDW division manager Gert Jan Holland.
Quick reporting ensures that stolen vehicles are entered into both national and international databases, aiding recovery efforts.