I do not wish to scare monger only keep folks informed of what is going on.
It appears that a gang of thieves is working its way round Rallies, and they are after your cash and mobile phones.
We are just back from Into the Valley were to my knowledge at least 12 tents were robbed during the early hours of the mornings. Last weekend they hit East Leeds Lions and the weekend before that The Three Tribes, all at various locations around the country.
They are actually going into tents when folks are asleep and stealing. It appears that they have several techniques, the main ones being, following very drunk folk back and waiting for them to fall asleep, or shaking a tent and calling out a name to see if they get a response from whoever is inside. They also seem to be using diversion tactics by shouting to each other loudly which makes folks look at them and not their thieving friends who are rummaging through tents.
Very sad stuff to be honest.
So can I PLEASE implore anybody who is attending any Rallies, when your away from your tent lock any valuables away in topboxes etc or keep them with you and when you are off to your bed, ensure that valuables are in the bedroom area with you and sleep with your head door end of the tent.
Myself and Ken had our tent shaken, the folks next to us had their tent unzipped but heard and moved and scared them off, others were not so fortunate and had their cash and belongings stolen.
They appear to be striking in the early hours of the morning between 2am and 5am on both evenings, even after announcements were made pre-warning folks of what had happened, the thieving toe rags did it Sat night as well !!
Be vigilant and be safe.

Scum, scum, scum
                                                                                                                                                                             

Jackie, that is really awful! It's unbelievable just how low some people will go.

Am so glad you and Mr Ken are ok!
                                                                                                                                                                             

It happened one year at the Bulldog Rally but some chapter members caught them in the act and called them an ambulance                                                                                                                                                                              

It is so hard to maintain 24/7 security at rallies (well, the small ones), so people please be responsible for your own stuff.                                                                                                                                                                             

One of our party was woke at around midnight by a bloke unzipping her tent, entering the porch area, unzipping the inner tent and stepping inside. Luckily she shouted out n he ran off.

I find this really disturbing, if it was someone who had just got the wrong tent in a drunken state he wouldnt have run off.

We reported it at event control the following night and were advised to ensure that no member of our party was left to walk back to their tent alone, females in particular. Also to take note if we became aware of anyone acting suspiciously in the area and basically not to enter a tent if in doubt. Go back to event control and ask for them to escort you to your tent.

They wanted to know if anyone else had the same situ. As they were unsure as to whether there was a pattern. So if you were at ITV as a single female and experienced something similar can you please report it to MAG.

Many thanks

I would like to be present when they get caught, my size 14's would enjoy some kick boxing practise. ;-)                                                                                                                                                                             

hi GBNP see you got  Rb disseise with photos                                                                                                                                                                               

GBNT it's not just single females that should report anything but anyone who sees anything going should report it                                                                                                                                                                             

Its a horrible situation to be in and I for one wholeheartedly believe those responsible are not part of the genuine biking community.

So lets all be a bit more vigilant when we attend a Rally and report anything you feel is odd or strange, at the end of the day if it turns out to be nothing all well and good but if not .....

  Does anyone have any info on what these thieves might look like? If they are an organised gang targeting all rallies and fests perhaps they may stand out as not looking like part of the biker community? I know you shouldn't judge on appearances but .... Just a thought.                                                                                                                                                                               

Lulu unfortunately I don't think anybody got a 'good look' at any of them but it appears that several folk including myself, did say that they spoke with what appeared to be foreign accents possibly eastern European.

After speaking to the marshalls at the rally I have to admit I was somewhat annoyed that they had been pre-warned of the thieves targeting rallies over the last few weeks but did not pre-warn folks to be vigilant or careful as they arrived, which IMO would not have taken that much time and effort.

  BJ I was actually gonna suggest E European gangs as the culprits...but thought it would be seen as being non pc and judgemental,  it doesn't surprise me that people heard those particular accents from the thieves.     Disgraceful that no rally attendees were prewarned about this at the rally...   Please everyone take care, look out for any groups of 'different looking' peeps and don't let the scum rob you (or worse hurt you)                                                                                                                                                                              

Had a pair ferreting around my tent, "bumped" into the guy ropes, girl and a chap, supposeldy lost, however they were both extremely hammered and didnt have a torch, any idea where there tent was...                                                                                                                                                                             

Not surprised. Authorities are getting to grips with cable theft by targeting scrappiest. Same with cash point fraud.
If you think about all the festivals happening over summer. Must be rich pickings.                                                                                                                                                                             

Standing out at a rally ?? on Friday night there was a lass you would have thought she was going out to Dinner stunning backless low cut black dress legs up to her armpits holdup's and heals. she could rob my tent anytime
                                                                                                                                                                             

The only thing I can sugest is that you make sure any cash is splitup in your kit, that way it is harder for them to get it all.   Plus of coures if any are court ;) then a nice chat with them before the Ambulance picks them up from the side of the main road.                                                                                                                                                                             

Why would anyone leave money and mobile phones in their tent? I dont even leave my bike keys when I go away from my pitch. If you are worried about losing money when a little over intoxicated then just split your cash between different pockets about your person. If there is nothing in your tent to steal, they cant steal it. Or am I thinking too simplisticly?

Damien, the thefts were committed whilst folks were sleeping in their tents !!!                                                                                                                                                                             

So wallets and purses should be placed under the sleeping mat or matress at the opposite end from the tent opening.