Police departments in areas of the United Kingdom are reporting a surge in the theft of rooftop tent boxes, prompting warnings and security advice for owners. The trend follows a significant increase in the popularity of these camping accessories, which allow vehicles to be converted into mobile living spaces.
Cleveland Police noted incidents in the New Marske and Saltburn areas of East Cleveland, where at least three rooftop tents were stolen from vehicles and driven away in a white Citroen C1. In June, the force issued a statement regarding these thefts. Earlier, in 2024, a content creator known as Jamie, who posts as @themacleanbrothers on Instagram, reported that his rooftop tent was stolen overnight. He stated in a video that thieves had managed to bypass the security nuts used to secure the tent.
Later, in July, Runcorn Police in Cheshire issued a warning on Facebook, reporting multiple instances of thefts and attempted thefts of roof-mounted camping equipment. The force noted that an individual had been seen taking pictures of a vehicle with a rooftop tent in the early hours of the morning, suggesting potential reconnaissance. Police also observed that thefts of such equipment tend to increase during holiday periods.
One user commented on the Runcorn Police post, stating their tent box was stolen in Weston Point, Runcorn. Another user suggested that while trackers and alarms can be used, determined thieves may still succeed in stealing the equipment.
Rooftop tents, such as those manufactured by TentBox, attach to the roof bars of cars, vans, and SUVs, offering a convenient way to camp. These units can retail for up to £2,200.
To mitigate the risk of theft, police and manufacturers recommend several preventative measures. Storing the tent box in a shed or garage when not in use is advised. If the tent must remain on the vehicle, owners are encouraged to replace standard mounting bolts with M8 locking security nuts. Additional security options include using heavy-duty bike locks or steel cables to secure the tent frame to the vehicle's roof bars, or installing tamper-proof bolts and lockable mounting brackets that require a unique key.
Electronic deterrents can also be employed. Wireless motion-triggered alarms, mounted beneath the tent, can emit a loud alarm if tampered with. Bluetooth tracking devices, such as Apple AirTags or Tile trackers, can assist in locating stolen property if it remains within the tracking network.
Owners are also reminded to contact their insurance providers to ensure their rooftop tent is added to their policy, as it may be classified as a vehicle modification or an additional accessory. Authorities urge the public to report any suspicious activity by calling 101, or 999 if a theft is in progress.