I used to use a 6" dia plastic drain pipe, stopped and padlocked at the ends, bolted to the roof rack to carry my beach rods, so they would not be crushed by bungees..... then one night on Spurn Point, some toerag decided he needed my £250.00 backcaster more than I did, he literally ripped the tube from the rack and rack from the car, and beggared off with it.....whilst I was fishing 200 yards away.The damage to the vehicle cost as much as the rod was worth.
I now carry my rods in the car,which I chose because it is a large , long, estate version, and never leave any tackle out on view.... dont you just love this country and the low life it spawns these days.