Recover Stolen Vehicles Effectively: IAATI UK 2025 Conference

Recover Stolen Vehicles Effectively: Lessons from the IAATI UK 2025 Conference

For us at Tremark Associates, the 2025 IAATI UK Vehicle Crime Conference in Daventry was a valuable opportunity to connect with experts who share our mission to recover stolen vehicles and prevent theft before it happens. The event was set at the impressive Henry Ford Academy, a modern training campus beside Ford’s Heritage Collection.

Over two packed days themed around “Under Siege” and “Securing the Future”, professionals from policing, investigation, manufacturing and fleet management came together to tackle the growing problem of commercial van theft. The atmosphere was open and energetic, with every conversation highlighting the importance of collaboration with the shared goal to recover stolen vehicles. For a company like Tremark, with services dedicated to tracking and recovering stolen vehicles, it was an ideal chance to explore the latest technology and security insights shaping the industry.

Day 1: The Rising Threat of Vehicle Theft

The first day focused on the scale of the problem – and the message was clear: van theft is rising at an alarming rate. Speakers from law enforcement and industry painted a shared picture of how serious and organised this type of crime has become. DCI Kate Brummell of SOAC detailed the current threat to UK businesses, while SBD Automotive’s Rob Hare explained how criminals are now bypassing factory-fitted systems with increasingly sophisticated methods.

Hearing from Merseyside Police’s Jamie Orme about what happens to a vehicle after it’s stolen brought the issue into sharp focus, and reminded us that time really is of the essence when required to recover stolen vehicles. Meanwhile, Amanda Brandon from the BVRLA outlined the financial strain on hire and lease companies – a reminder of how theft ripples across entire industries. The takeaway was simple but sobering: without strong security and quick stolen vehicle recovery systems in place, stolen vehicles can vanish into criminal supply chains almost instantly.

Day 2: Building Better Defences and Faster Recoveries

The second day turned towards solutions on how to recover stolen vehicles – practical, technical and operational. Ford Pro and TVL showcased their new in-built security systems for Ford Transit vans, demonstrating how proactive design can stop thieves before they strike. Thatcham Research also introduced a commercial van security rating system, giving fleet managers an easier way to assess and compare protection levels.

Discussions also covered areas that often go unnoticed. Alice Lester shed light on the surge in tool thefts targeting tradespeople, while Sara Fisher highlighted how something as simple as poor hotel parking security can create easy opportunities for criminals.

Collaboration: The Key to Recovering Stolen Vehicles

If there was one consistent theme throughout the conference, it was collaboration. IAATI made it clear that meaningful progress can only happen when police, industry and technology providers work hand in hand.

We had great conversations about how our ANPR watchlists and police-integrated tracking solutions help to locate and recover stolen vehicles in real time. Meeting with everyone from investigators to tech developers under one roof showed the value of sharing knowledge and resources – whether that’s a new van lock design, a forensic DNA marking kit or an innovative tracking platform.

With smarter technology, faster data-sharing and stronger partnerships across the sector, we’re confident that together we can make a real difference in reducing theft – and recovering stolen vehicles that might otherwise be lost for good.