As someone who hasn't gigged much, how do I stop thieves?

[EMoneySC2]

Your business, but it seems pretty excessive to me.

Like I said, I'm definitely on the paranoid end of the spectrum with this! I think the extra hassle is worth it to maintain my sanity, and as you said, it's just my business.

For me a big part of why I'm cautious isn't that I couldn't afford to buy a new rig if I really had to, it's that a lot of my gear would take a really long time to replace. Ordering a new Dingwall can take as long as 9 months, I'd have to prowl classifieds for another Cali76-TX (discontinued), etc. Definitely a downside of using more obscure/boutique gear.

 

[Brad Johnson]

Playing in God's house probably help's keep away some of the baddies.

The one time I recall actually seeing someone steal something was in church. We had finished playing and they had refreshments downstairs. Myself and one other musician were breaking our gear down when he noticed an elderly woman walking out with something. IIRC he yelled out "Hey! Is that yours?". She turned around and smiled, put the item on a pew and walked out.

The trick is to look like you're supposed to be doing what you're doing.

 

[Dave W]

I see youre from Central NY. I'm from NY as well. So even people in small suburban or rural areas like yours will pilfer gear? I'm closer to NYC and live in the burbs just outside the big city....so I know its risky and common down this way.

And while my question may seem naïve. I guess I was thinking smaller town areas had nicer people.

I'm in Westchester.

I can't say I've ever had something stolen while gigging or rehearsing, but I'm not going to find out the hard way either. I don't let my stuff out of my sight. Once in the venue I can rely a little bit on security and guys in my band. My basses stay with me at all times and nothing sits out in the car for more than it has to.

My gigging rig is a substantial investment, as is everyones. I play my nice stuff out because I bought all of it to be played.

 

[David Jayne]

Raise an index finger in the general direction of the cad absconding with your beloved instrument and exclaim,
indignantly, "Stop, thief!"

And if he has the fortitude to defy your command and continue, chase him down and beat him about the head and neck with a truncheon or black jack. Calisthenics are a must, every morning!

 

[Altitude]

Try to keep an eye open as you leave the gig to make sure you aren't followed out. Every once in awhile you hear a story about something like this. Even if you aren't mugged while on-the-road, they could figure out where you live and then they know what you might have inside your home.

That would require a very persistent robber in my case - I live about 45 minutes out of town!

 

[JGbassman]

I've been lucky over the years touring, I have lost or forgotten more gear than was ever stolen. I'm doing most of my gigs in the Midwest now, and it's a little more laid back here. I'm not saying stuff isn't stolen but here a little common sense goes a long way.

I will never leave "snatch and grab" items in the car overnight, as that's giving a thief too much.. I will leave my bass cab in the car overnight, but that's after the gig when I can't get to my storage unit.