Roof Box

[Herbenny]

Just needing advice please as we have bought a roof box for our car and getting it fitted. We had one years ago and never had any issues with security/theft however times have changed and as I have to park on the road a little further away from the house I don’t know whether I’m asking for trouble and it will be targeted.
Can I get an alarm on it or secure it down with extra straps … we won’t be able to take it on and off the car as just won’t be practical carrying to and from the car

I mean alarm straps ? Not quite sure what I’m looking for

 

[wildebus]

Just needing advice please as we have bought a roof box for our car and getting it fitted. We had one years ago and never had any issues with security/theft however times have changed and as I have to park on the road a little further away from the house I don’t know whether I’m asking for trouble and it will be targeted.
Can I get an alarm on it or secure it down with extra straps … we won’t be able to take it on and off the car as just won’t be practical carrying to and from the car

I mean alarm straps ? Not quite sure what I’m looking for

Assuming you will not have anything in it unless you are going away (?) is it better to not actually secure it dramatically as you could find it gets broken into by thieves assuming you have stuff of value in it - so you end up with a damaged box for no reason?
(Just my own thinking - fortunately it is not something I have to really think of where I live).

But in use, the kind of straps/chains that have a motion-activated alarm to go around the box sounds like a good idea and something I have wondered about for my Motorhome Fiamma Back-box when away - which is essentially a roof-box in all but name but even easier to break into!

 

[Canalsman]

Personally, assuming it's empty, I'd leave it unlocked and propped open slightly. A bit like HGV drivers leave one trailer door open.

Just remember to latch it before driving!

 

[ricc]

Or leave it shut with a big notice on drivers seat saying lock roof box before driving. Propped open might be trouble in high winds

 

[wildebus]

Or leave it shut with a big notice on drivers seat saying lock roof box before driving. Propped open might be trouble in high winds

propped a little open so it can be seen into, but with a strap to stop the top being lifted by the wind?

I am thinking I might do something similar with my Fiamma Ultrabox when empty? leave the locks unlocked but a simple ratchet strap to keep it closed and an attached label saying "Empty"?

 

[Tezza33]

I have had a Fiamma Ultra box on the van for over ten years, my Fiat Panda had a top box for 12 years and my current car has had one for 18 months, nobody has ever attempted to break into them

 

[Robmac]

I think Roof Tents are more of a target Jaq. Although they look like a top box they are usually clearly marked as to what they are.

 

[Herbenny]

Thanks all maybe I’m just being really cynical and overly cautious. I think from the time I got the van knifed right down the side I just feel like nothing would surprise me. I actually live in a nice area but on a Friday night it seems the gremlins come out to play

 

[Rumour]

Our neighbour had a roof box on his car for years with no trouble, but that was about ten years ago! The world is a bit different with thugs wearing balaclavas roaming streets. We do have one and as it is little used, I remove it when not required, as do our kids.