A familiar sadness fills our hearts every time we see bands posting that their gear was stolen out of their van. Sure, you can insure your gear or, even better, have van insurance that also covers the contents of the van (follow this link for quotes from van insurance brokers). While that might replace the gear in terms of the price of each item, it won’t replace sentimental items that so many band members have. Their first ever drumsticks, their favourite guitar, etc. Nothing feels quite as violating as being stolen from. If this has never happened to you… trust me, it’s sheer dumb luck that you haven’t been a victim yet.

In an age of social media where we flaunt our business to maximize exposure, advertise our thoughts and use the Facebook check-in feature to say where we are…. make no mistake about it… YOU-ARE-BEING-TARGETED (sometimes even before you get to the venue) and you’re making it easy for them.

This isn’t meant to sound like a Negative-Nancy or Debbie-downer. Protect your band; protect your livelihood. Everybody loves having drinks and having a good time after a show, but someone is watching you. Even if you aren’t noticeably being watched, assume that you are. Get everybody and everything home safe so you can rock again another day.

Tips & Warnings:

• The smaller your band is, the easier it is to target you. You don’t have grips or roadies to help you load or watch your gear.
• Giant U-haul trailers spell out wonderful “I’m not from here” and “I’m off getting drinks” signs.
• Rotate babysitting duty with friends & members. If you’re going to get a smoke, smoke by your van.
• If you get a bad feeling, listen to it. They’re called instincts for a reason.
• Out-of-state license plate? Easy money.
• Do multiple “idiot checks/ did I forget something?” checks before leaving.
• Tag your gear and write down your serial numbers. It won’t stop theft from happening, but it may help deter and possibly recover your gear if something happens. Unlikely, but at least another band won’t walk off with your identical gear “accidentally.”
• Never keep anything in plain sight. Not even coins.
• Pin your trailer/van against walls when you park. I’ve heard of bands being stolen from while they’re grabbing fast food. And if that trailer/van isn’t covered by an A-class motorhome insurance, that’s a loss of livelihood right there!
• Don’t rely on Good Samaritans to stop evil-doers. People now-a-days aren’t very confrontational, especially if they’re not sure what’s going on.
• Don’t leave anything overnight in the van. I know your tired from rocking out, but man-up and put your gear in a building.
• Nothing is full-proof in stopping theft, but this is your livelihood. You need to try and protect it. You can’t stop Nicholas Cage from stealing your car in 60 seconds but you can stop jerks with a screwdriver and a coat hanger from trying.

By simply protecting your band and your gear, you won’t make yourself an easy target. Trust us, people don’t walk up to you and say they’re stealing from you (at least, not very often.) They wait until you’re not paying attention. Are we being paranoid?

Ask any musician you know…”have you been stolen from?”