So with large numbers of thefts being reported on all of the communities, would you still leave your equipment set up and unattended at a....

1) Venue?

2) Marquee?

I know of DJs who do this - but I still wouldn't!

Would never leave unatended in a marque but might if venue is locked and alarmed or the organiser takes responcibility.

Generally though nope I stay with the kit and you pay me to be security guard.

Nik

If the room is separate can be locked then maybe - dependent on where the room is and how easy it is to get/in out....

Never done a marquee - and if I did I wouldn't dare leave it!

Several years ago, I wouldn't have thought twice about leaving gear in a posh venue, now in light of these growing numbers of thefts and incidents i've been looking for ways at politely discouraging those 'can you set up early' type requests from clients, at least where the gear is expected to be left unattended on site for many hours, and in venues where anybody can walk in off the street and wonder around the venue unchallenged, which lets be honest, are most public venues and certainly all hotels. I can't even recall one single venue, where I have ever been questioned by staff or house security as to what business I was on and whether the gear I was carrying was actually mine.

And so why would they challenge somebody else carrying my gear?

I don't think I would even trust it in a locked room, because how long is it likely to be locked for? and what guarantee is there that it won't be left unlocked for several hours after i've gone, whilst the hotel staff set up and the flower arrangers, ballon companies, chocolate fountain all come and go at various times?. Who can also vouch for the staff, too? after all i'm sure more than one venue has had to lay off staff in the past because of pilfering from guests / venues, so do you think i'm going to put £6k worth of expensive audio and lighting gear under their noses, not ruddy likely.

Now I charge an additional fee to cover my expenses and time plus the risk aspect for this type of service, however in addition to those extra business costs, I also charge the client a £100 deposit, which is the excess on my insurance should my gear be stolen whilst in situ.

Its amazing how many clients who want you to be there early to leave your expensive gear unattended all day, suddenly have a change of heart when the onus of responsibility lies with them or rather their pocket