Why Are Hotels Failing to Protect Vehicles from Theft?
Vehicle theft is on the rise across the UK, with thieves increasingly targeting vans and cars parked in hotel car parks. This is a major concern for tradespeople, business travellers, and families who expect secure parking when staying overnight. Yet, one of the most frustrating issues is the lack of available CCTV footage when trying to recover evidence or hold someone accountable.
A Growing Problem…
Van and car thefts from hotel car parks have increased significantly:
– Over 47,000 vans were stolen in the UK in 2024 — a 30% increase from the previous year.
– Vehicle theft from hotel car parks accounts for nearly 20% of reported incidents.
– Tools and equipment worth over £150 million were stolen from vans in 2024 alone.
The CCTV Black Hole
A common scenario unfolds after a theft: the victim asks for CCTV footage and hears:
– “The cameras weren’t working.”
– “We don’t have CCTV in that part of the car park.”
– “The footage was overwritten after 24 hours.”
If hotels can install cameras in lobbies and hallways, why not in car parks where high-value thefts occur?
Why Are Hotels Falling Short?
– Poor Coverage: Many hotel car parks overlook key entry and exit points.
– Low-Quality Cameras: Outdated systems make it difficult to identify suspects.
– Data Retention Issues: Footage is often deleted after 24–48 hours.
– Lack of Investment: Hotels avoid upgrading systems due to costs.
Impact on Tradespeople and Business Travellers
A stolen van isn’t just about the vehicle — tradespeople lose thousands in tools and lost work. Business travellers face compromised data security and logistical challenges when laptops and personal belongings are stolen.
What Needs to Change?
– Improved CCTV Coverage – Full car park coverage with high-resolution cameras.
– Longer Data Retention – Footage should be retained for at least 30 days.
– Increased Security Presence – Hiring security personnel to monitor car parks during peak hours.
– Guest Transparency – Hotels should disclose their security measures at booking.
How to Protect Yourself
While hotel security policies need improvement, businesses and individuals can reduce the risk by:
– Parking close to entrances and well-lit areas.
– Using additional vehicle locks and steering wheel clamps.
– Installing GPS trackers in high-value vehicles.
– Removing valuable items from vehicles overnight.
If you’ve experienced vehicle theft at a hotel or struggled to obtain CCTV footage, share your story in the comments. It’s time to hold businesses accountable and push for better security standards.
We would love to get involved and help these issues disappear. Please get in touch.