Ford Pro Helps Return Stolen Transit Van

Mobile bartender Lewis Spindlove and his custom-built Ford Transit van are well-known at weddings and festivals across the UK. With a specially fabricated pop-up bar worth £15,000, Lewis brings a full range of drinks and cocktails to events outside of traditional venues. His  business recently faced a major setback when his van, packed with valuable equipment, was stolen from his home near Bristol.

The theft came as a shock, especially since Lewis was set to cater a wedding that day. His immediate concern was for the bride and groom, who had specifically booked him and his bespoke gold pop-up bar. Along with the loss of the van, which housed thousands of pounds worth of stock, Lewis feared he might not be able to meet his commitment. 

Thankfully, technology and quick thinking came to the rescue. Lewis was able to source a borrowed bar, complete with a gold finish, to ensure the wedding would go off without a hitch. After reporting the theft to the police, he turned to Ford Pro Telematics, which uses built-in vehicle tracking technology. The system quickly pinpointed the van’s location—in Nottingham, hundreds of miles away. Police were able to recover the van and its contents, and after repairs, it was back in service just two weeks after the theft.

Lewis shared his relief, saying, “The bride and groom had ordered a bespoke bar complete with gold mirrors and bar tops. It absolutely looked the business, but when I came to drive to the venue, the van was gone. I was so relieved that my Transit has a built-in tracker that played a key role in me getting my van back.”

The incident underscores the growing problem of vehicle theft, particularly affecting van-based businesses. In 2023, these businesses contributed approximately a trillion euros to the UK and EU economies. For Ford Pro, addressing vehicle theft is a top priority. The company offers a range of security features and alerts for suspicious activity to help protect the livelihoods of hardworking business owners.

Hans Schep, General Manager of Ford Pro Europe, commented, “We want Lewis, and all our van customers, to have complete confidence in their vehicles’ security. But, if the worst happens, we’re happy to be here to support the hardworking people who drive our communities and economies.”

Lewis’s story is a reminder of how crucial vehicle security is for small businesses, and how the right technology can play a pivotal role in recovery. With the help of Ford Pro’s advanced tech, Lewis’s van was safely returned, and his business was back on track!