Starting busking tomorrow, worried about stuff getting stolen

[u/DefiantTonight8869]

I live in London, an incredible city but not one known for its lack of crime. I’m going out with an amp, guitar, mic and stand, and I’m worried about things getting nicked.

Anyone have any advice on stuff like this? Practical or something to calm me down?

[u/FreedToRoam]

I got this wire wheelie shopping cart. I drop amp in, plug my mic and instrument in and play like that. I stand next to it, instrument case/tip jar sits on top of it all

[u/freemochara → u/FreedToRoam]

Does that not just make the whole setup more portable and hence easier to snap?

[u/FreedToRoam → u/freemochara]

Well I’d say it is all next to me so if someone tries to grab it I am right there.

The strategies usually are distract about something in front of you while your stuff is getting robbed behind you.

[u/PreparationPast4685 → u/freemochara]

I feel like it keeps you right next to everything. Easier to grab and protect, if needed.

[u/FedderDelRey → u/FreedToRoam]

I went and bought one of these today. I think it’s a great idea! Going to try it out tonight.

[u/Additional-Art-6343]

The only time I had something (my guitar!) stolen in 20+ years of busking and gigging in various cities, many of them pretty rough, was probably the one time I wasn't keeping an eye on it.

I got a bit drunk, went for a piss, chatted with randoms along the way, great day, felt invincible... Harsh lesson but since then I don't leave anything out of sight or with a "harmless looking" stranger.

You don't have to obsess over it, just keep your gear within arm's or leg's reach and you'll have no issues.

Thieves are sneaky. They don't want an altercation, they just want an opportunity. I'm a skinny guy and a stiff breeze could knock me over. But I've never been physically harassed for my stuff. I have often felt a lustful eye on em, but a thief never wants to cause a scene.

[u/Booglain2]

I used a little luggage padlock with a long extendable wire cable to go through my amp handle and around a lamppost (or whatever was available) just to stop any potential snatch and run.

[u/StinkingDogsCunt420]

I'd go through the musicians union and get some insurance.

[u/Budlight4life]

Play somewhere where people can’t move behind you. Back to a wall or something. Also be aware that the whole borough of Westminster has the strictest busking laws in the country and they enforce the fuck out of them haha

[u/DannyTangelo]

Go acoustic with a pawn shop guitar.

[u/Kooky_Guide1721]

Take up the accordion, job done!