Preventing Pickpocketing and Theft at Festivals: Protecting Attendees and Their Belongings

Large music and cultural festivals are vibrant celebrations of art, community, and entertainment. However, big crowds and high energy also create opportunities for opportunistic thieves. In the midst of a great show, an attendee’s excitement can quickly turn into panic upon discovering their phone or wallet missing. Unfortunately, festival pickpocketing is a global challenge. For instance, at Coachella one year a single pickpocket managed to stuff over 100 stolen phones into his backpack before tech-savvy attendees tracked him down (www.bbc.com). Similarly, Belgium’s famed Tomorrowland festival saw around 20 pickpockets arrested in one edition – some thieves had even travelled overseas specifically to prey on festival crowds (www.brusselstimes.com). And in India, police caught seven members of a gang at Goa’s Sunburn Festival after they stole dozens of high-end smartphones from revelers (www.ndtv.com). These incidents underscore how common – and organized – festival theft can be.

Festival producers have a duty to protect their attendees’ safety and personal property. Losing a phone or wallet can ruin someone’s experience and spread negative word-of-mouth fast, especially on social media. Proactively deterring pickpocketing and theft isn’t just about avoiding bad press; it’s about preserving the carefree atmosphere that festival-goers expect. By implementing robust anti-theft measures – from smart venue layouts and secure storage options to undercover security teams and public awareness campaigns – festivals can dramatically reduce incidents of petty crime on-site. The result is a safer environment, happier attendees, and a reputation for safety that keeps people coming back. This guide shares practical strategies and real examples from festivals worldwide to help the next generation of festival organizers keep both people and their belongings safe.

Understanding the Pickpocketing Threat

To address theft at festivals, it’s important to first understand why it happens. Large events are ideal targets for pickpockets: attendees are shoulder-to-shoulder, distracted by the music and crowds, often carrying phones, cash, and other valuables. Thieves can blend in easily and strike when people’s guards are down. In fact, industry research in the UK suggests that over a third of festival-goers have experienced either losing an item or having it stolen during an event (www.keytek.co.uk). Smartphones are the most common target – they’re high in value and easy to slip from a pocket or bag. A single busy weekend can yield a big haul for an organized thief. For example, police in Switzerland recently recovered 121 stolen phones hidden in a smuggler’s luggage after a major EDM festival, illustrating the lucrative scale of these crimes (news.sky.com).

Criminal tactics. Pickpockets at festivals often work in groups and use distraction techniques. They might “accidentally” bump or dance very close to a target to mask the moment of theft. Thieves also exploit chaotic moments like surging crowds, dark areas, or even brief power outages to snatch items unnoticed. Some organized crews travel from event to event (and even country to country) following festival season, knowing that large festivals can be easy pickings (www.brusselstimes.com). Camping festivals face an added risk: tent theft. Unattended tents can be unzipped or even slashed open to grab wallets and cameras while owners are away enjoying the show. In all cases, the impact is the same – a disappointed attendee who may be stranded without money, ID or a phone, and a blow to the festival’s standing if such incidents become rampant. Understanding these risks is the first step in crafting an effective prevention plan.

Designing the Festival Layout to Deter Thieves

A festival’s site design and infrastructure can either aid or deter would-be thieves. Smart layout planning is a proactive way to minimize the opportunities for pickpocketing. Consider these design tips:

• Lighting is key: Ensure all key areas – paths, food courts, restrooms, and especially densely packed stage areas – are well-lit at night. Thieves prefer dark, shadowy corners. Good lighting makes it harder for them to operate unnoticed and helps CCTV cameras capture clear footage.
• Clear sightlines & CCTV: Avoid creating hidden nooks or dead-ends in the venue. Open layouts with clear sightlines make it easier for security staff to monitor crowds. Many major festivals install CCTV cameras on towers or around the grounds to watch for suspicious activity (www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk). Even the presence of CCTV signs can act as a deterrent when thieves know they’re being watched.
• Controlled entry and exit: Designate secure entry/exit points with proper ticket scanning and bag checks. A fenced perimeter and staffed gates make it harder for unauthorized individuals (including potential thieves) to sneak in. It also means anyone attempting to leave with a stash of stolen items has a high chance of encountering security on the way out.
• Manage crowd flow: Work with your layout team to prevent extreme bottlenecks where crowds get too tightly packed. While some congestion is inevitable (e.g. front of the main stage), providing multiple spacious viewing areas or secondary screens can spread people out a bit more. The easier it is for attendees to move around, the harder it is for a pickpocket to trap someone in a swarm. Plan plenty of entry/exit routes from stages so there’s always a way for security or police to swiftly reach an incident.
• Secure zones and barriers: Backstage and staff-only areas should be clearly demarcated and secured to prevent thieves from ducking out of public view. Also consider physical barriers at high-traffic choke points that force crowd movement into more orderly lines rather than chaotic scrums – this can cut down on jostling where pickpockets thrive.

Thoughtful design won’t eliminate theft on its own, but it creates an environment where criminals have fewer easy opportunities. A well-lit, well-monitored site with logical crowd flow will naturally be a less attractive target. In essence, design out as many hiding places and pinch-points as possible. Combine this with a strong security presence (covered next) for a one-two punch that makes thieves think twice.

Secure Lockers and Safe Storage Options

One of the most practical protections festival organizers can provide is a secure place for attendees to store their belongings. When guests aren’t forced to carry all their valuables 24/7, they’re less exposed to pickpocketing. Many festivals now offer on-site lockers or property lock-ups for this reason – and the benefits are twofold. First, it directly safeguards items by keeping them under lock and key. Second, it lets attendees relax and enjoy the show without clinging to bags or worrying about lost phones.

For example, at major events like Tomorrowland in Belgium, the organisers actively encourage guests to use on-site lockers to secure their phones, wallets and jewelry (weraveyou.com). Some festivals charge a small fee for locker rentals, while others (such as Glastonbury in the UK) even provide free 24-hour lock-up stations staffed by volunteers as a goodwill service to fans. The key is to make sure these facilities are plentiful, easy to find, and well-publicized. Announce locker availability on the festival website, in the event app, and with signage around entry gates and camping areas. If attendees know ahead of time that they’ll have a safe spot for their stuff, they can plan accordingly (bringing a padlock if needed, packing a smaller day-bag, etc.). On festival days, remind people via stage announcements or push notifications to stow away any items they don’t need to carry.

Experienced festival organisers recognize that providing secure storage and an efficient lost-and-found isn’t just a courtesy – it’s essential for a smooth-running event. These services keep your audience happy, safe, and focused on enjoying the music rather than worrying about their belongings (www.ticketfairy.com). In practice, that might mean partnering with a locker rental company for a large music festival, or simply setting up a manned coat-check tent at a smaller community event. If full locker units aren’t feasible, consider a bag-drop service where attendees can leave items in sealed, ticketed bags that staff oversee. Even charging stations can be combined with secure storage (lockers with built-in phone chargers) so that people aren’t tethered to a wall outlet in a vulnerable state.

The presence of lockers and lock-ups also sends a message to potential thieves: festival-goers have a means to protect their valuables, so crimes of opportunity will be less fruitful. It’s a simple amenity that significantly reduces the risk of theft – and as a bonus, it improves the attendee experience. Nobody wants to be dancing in a crowd with a heavy backpack full of all their possessions. Give them a safe place to lighten the load, and they’ll remember the festival as a carefree adventure rather than a security ordeal.

High-Profile and Undercover Security Patrols

A visible security presence is one of the strongest deterrents to petty crime at any event. Festival attendees should regularly see security staff and guards patrolling the grounds, especially in dense crowd areas and near stages. Knowing that trained eyes are watching often dissuades would-be pickpockets from making a move. Strategically station uniformed security at trouble-prone spots: for example, near the front-of-house sound towers (which have a good view over crowds), around ATM or top-up stations, and at the entrances to dense dance floors or mosh pits. These guards act as both a reassurance to guests and a warning to criminals.

Equally important is what attendees don’t see: the undercover security teams mingling among them. Plainclothes security personnel or off-duty police officers in the crowd can catch thieves in the act without warning. Many successful festival security operations use a mix of both uniformed and undercover staff. The uniformed guards create an environment of vigilance, while the undercover officers are free to observe quietly and zero in on suspicious behavior. For example, after receiving intelligence that gangs planned to target a major Indian music festival, police deployed plainclothes officers at specific points in the crowd to watch for pickpockets. The result was a highly effective sting – over the course of the event, 18 suspects were identified and arrested and nearly 30 stolen phones were recovered (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) (timesofindia.indiatimes.com).

To get the most out of your security team:
– Train for theft awareness: Ensure that all security staff (even volunteers and stewards) are trained to spot common pickpocket behaviors. This could include someone hanging back at the edge of dancing crowds, individuals creating distractions or making unnecessary physical contact, or people quickly exiting after bumping into attendees. Teams should know how to distinguish accidental jostling from deliberate tactics.
– Quick communication: Establish clear protocols so that undercover operatives can discreetly signal to nearby security or police when they’ve identified a suspect. Radios with covert earpieces or agreed hand signals can work. The moment a pickpocket is spotted, uniformed staff can then intercept the suspect calmly away from the crowd, preventing a chase or conflict in a packed area.
– Sufficient numbers: Budget for an adequate security headcount. Large festivals often have security ratios like 1 guard per few hundred attendees, but consider dedicating a portion of those specifically to theft patrol. During peak hours (e.g. nighttime headliners), increase patrols in the crowd. Smaller festivals might not have large teams, but even a handful of staff continuously roaming through the audience can make a difference.
– Blend in when needed: Use staff who can blend with different attendee demographics. For instance, young plainclothes staff might mix into a rave crowd less conspicuously. In some cases, festivals coordinate with law enforcement units that specialize in pickpocketing surveillance for extra support.

By catching thieves early or scaring them off through sheer presence, a strong security team prevents countless losses. There’s a psychological effect too – when attendees frequently spot security nearby, they tend to be more mindful of their own belongings and feel safer. The goal is to create an atmosphere where everyone knows that theft will not be tolerated and that anyone attempting it is very likely to be noticed and caught.

Educating and Engaging Attendees

Festival-goers themselves are the last line of defense against theft. An informed, vigilant crowd makes the job much harder for a pickpocket ring. Festival organizers should actively educate attendees on how to safeguard their valuables and encourage a community watch vibe where everyone looks out for each other. The key is to deliver these messages without dampening the fun. Here are some effective approaches:

• Pre-event awareness: Start the conversation early. In festival welcome emails, FAQs, and social media posts, include tips like “Bring only what you need – leave unnecessary valuables at home” and “Use our locker services to secure important items.” Encourage attendees to set up the Find My Phone app or equivalent on their devices before arriving, and to have passcodes on their phones so a thief can’t easily access data or digital wallets.
• Safety reminders on site: Use signage and screens creatively. Entrance areas can have banners saying “Keep an eye on your belongings – pickpockets operate in crowded places.” Some festivals have flashed gentle reminders on big screens between acts (e.g. a short safety animation or text crawl). You can also print a reminder in the festival program or map handout, if you distribute those. The tone should be positive and empowering – remind people that a little caution goes a long way.
• Announcements and MC call-outs: During the event, have the MC or stage host occasionally remind the crowd to be mindful. A quick line like “Everyone, make sure your phones and wallets are secure so nothing interrupts your good time!” can be effective, especially if timed right (for instance, just before a set begins or as people are moving between stages). Don’t overdo it – a few well-timed PSAs will suffice and won’t kill the mood.
• Buddy system and community vigilance: Encourage attendees to look out for one another. Festival communities are often tight-knit, especially among regulars. Promote a culture where if someone sees suspicious activity (like a person stealthily unzipping bags), they alert security or politely warn the potential victim. This can be as simple as adding, “If you see something, say something to our staff,” to your safety messaging. Many festivals have fan Facebook groups or Reddit threads; seeding those with a post about anti-theft tips can mobilize the super-fans to spread the word.
• Camping tips: If your festival has camping, give campers specific guidance. Remind them that tents are not secure storage – “Don’t leave valuables in your tent” should be a mantra. Suggest that they keep essential items on their person or use the festival lock-ups. Interestingly, putting a padlock on a tent can backfire (it signals there might be something valuable inside), so advise against obvious indicators like that. Instead, festival security can offer to tag valuables (some events provide UV pens or labels at lock-up stations to mark items with the owner’s info) and encourage camp neighbors to form a watchful community. (www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk) (www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk) Making friends with the folks in the next tent means everyone is more likely to keep an eye out when someone unfamiliar lurks around the campsite.

Finally, emphasize through all channels that attendees shouldn’t hesitate to report any theft or suspicious activity immediately. Let them know where to go or who to contact – whether it’s a clearly marked security booth, an information tent, or a phone number for festival security. The faster staff knows about a pickpocket operating, the faster they can act on it. Many successful theft prevention efforts come down to real-time information from alert attendees.

Partnering with Local Authorities

Coordinating closely with local law enforcement can greatly amplify a festival’s anti-theft efforts. Seasoned festival producers know that police and security agencies are valuable allies before, during, and after the event. Early in planning, consider convening a meeting with the local police department specifically to discuss theft prevention. Police may have intelligence on organized pickpocket rings in the region or advice from other events that experienced theft sprees. For example, ahead of Tomorrowland 2022 in Belgium, local police brought in a specialist anti-pickpocketing team from a nearby city and warned attendees to be vigilant (www.brusselstimes.com). Similarly, in Goa, India, authorities had intel that thieves were targeting a large EDM festival, which led to plainclothes officers being embedded on-site and a number of arrests as a result (timesofindia.indiatimes.com). Sharing information and resources in this way can stop a crime wave before it starts.

During the festival, having police officers on-site or on standby can make a huge difference. Many large festivals essentially become mini cities for the weekend, and police often set up a mobile command post or at least a booth on the grounds. This visible cooperation boosts attendee confidence and provides immediate assistance for serious incidents. Police can also handle the aftermath of theft more efficiently – taking reports, organizing search teams, and processing any suspects caught by security. If a professional gang is at work and tries to escape with stolen goods, police coordination ensures there are eyes on transit hubs (train stations, parking lots, airports) to intercept them. In one case, a thief at a European festival was caught at the border with a bag full of stolen phones, thanks to cross-border police alerts (news.sky.com).

Local authorities might also run awareness campaigns in parallel with the festival. City police social media accounts or local news might put out advisories for festival-goers to beware of pickpockets, reinforcing the messaging the festival provides. This creates a united front against thieves. If your event has the support of city officials or local community leaders, involve them too – a public statement like “We’re working with police to keep everyone safe from theft” sends a strong signal and might get picked up by media in a positive light.

Finally, after the festival, debrief with law enforcement partners to review how things went. Analyze any theft incidents: Were there patterns in where or when they happened? How effective were the interventions? This information is gold for improving next year’s security plan. It also shows authorities that the festival takes public safety seriously, which can lead to even better cooperation (and necessary permits) in the future. In short, don’t go it alone – tap into the expertise and manpower of police and security agencies who are invested in keeping the community safe.

Leveraging Technology to Protect Valuables

Technology can be a festival producer’s best friend when it comes to protecting attendees from theft. There are several tech tools and strategies worth considering:

• Cashless payment systems: Many festivals worldwide have gone fully cashless, using RFID wristbands or mobile payment apps for all on-site purchases. This significantly lowers the amount of cash floating around, which in turn reduces one major incentive for thieves. If nobody is carrying much cash (because drinks and merch are bought via wristband tap), pickpockets are less interested. As a bonus, cashless systems also make lost or stolen wallets less of a catastrophe – a cancelled credit card is replaceable, whereas stolen cash is gone forever. Tip: If your festival implements a cashless system, communicate that benefit to attendees (“Safer for you – no need to carry lots of cash!”). Ticket Fairy’s ticketing platform, for example, supports advanced RFID integrations that make going cashless seamless for events, enhancing security without sacrificing convenience.
• Secure ticketing and entry: Along with cashless tech, use a modern ticketing solution that avoids easily duplicated paper tickets. Encrypted e-tickets or RFID wristbands that are scanned at the gate can prevent unauthorized entry by people who might solely be there to pickpocket. When every wristband is registered to a unique individual, it’s harder for criminals to sneak in anonymously. Robust front gate checks (backed by good ticket tech) ensure your festival grounds are populated with genuine fans rather than thieves looking for an easy mark.
• Surveillance and monitoring: Beyond standard CCTV, some festivals are exploring drones and AI-assisted camera systems to monitor crowds for incidents. High-resolution cameras placed above stages or on balloons can feed live video to a security center. Trained staff (or even algorithms) can watch for telltale signs of pickpocketing, such as unusual clusters or commotions in the crowd. If something looks amiss, security can be dispatched to investigate immediately. While cutting-edge, these systems may be worth it for large-scale events with dense crowds. Even a basic mobile CCTV trailer pointed at a busy stage or marketplace can help catch thieves in the act with zoomed-in footage.
• Attendee tech aids: Encourage attendees to leverage the tech in their own hands. Festival apps can include a one-tap button to report a theft or suspicious person, sending an alert to security with a location pin. If you have the capability, push out a notification midway through the event reminding everyone to double-check their pockets and bags. Also consider partnering with a phone tracking or recovery service to assist attendees; for example, some events have offered on-site customer service help to activate “find my device” or to quickly blacklist a stolen phone’s IMEI number. The faster a phone is reported stolen, the better the chances of locating it.
• Data and identification: In environments where ID theft or credit card theft might be a concern, technology can help verify identity. For instance, some cashless payment wristbands can be deactivated and reissued to the owner if their festival wristband (with attached wallet) is stolen, preventing thieves from using the stolen credential. Biometric check-ins or photo IDs on file (used at some high-security events) can also ensure that even if someone steals a wristband or pass, they can’t use it. Such measures are more common at multi-day festivals or ones with strict access control.

While high-tech solutions can require investment, they often pay off by drastically cutting down theft and its fallout. And remember – you don’t have to implement every gadget out there. Choose the tech that fits your event’s scale and budget. Even simple steps like renting radios for staff, using a group chat for security teams, or deploying a few extra cameras can streamline your theft prevention and response. The goal is to create multiple layers of security, where human vigilance and technology work hand-in-hand to protect attendees.

Responding Quickly When Theft Happens

No matter how many precautions are in place, you should be prepared that some theft incidents may still occur. How a festival responds can make a big difference in outcomes and public perception. A swift, well-handled response can turn a negative experience into a story of how helpful and responsible the festival was. Here’s how to ensure your team is ready to react:

• Clear reporting channels: Make it easy for attendees to report theft or lost items. Have a clearly marked Lost & Found booth or security tent where people can speak with staff. If your event is large, consider multiple reporting points (e.g. one in each major area or stage zone). Train all frontline staff (ushers, info desk, volunteer guides) on where to direct someone who says “my phone is gone, I think it was stolen.” The sooner security gets the report, the sooner they can act.
• Act immediately: Upon a report of an active pickpocket in the crowd, alert the security team and local police on site right away with a description. Time is of the essence. Often thieves will strike in a flurry and then try to exit or move to another area. A rapid alert (e.g. over the radio: “We have reports of a phone thief near Stage Two, described as X, heading Y direction”) can mobilize guards to locate the suspect. If your control center notices a pattern – say dozens of people coming in reporting missing phones from the same stage – treat it as an active situation and dispatch extra security to that area immediately.
• Support the victim: Losing a phone or wallet can be very distressing, especially if the person is now alone or unable to contact friends. Train your customer service team to show empathy and provide practical help. This might mean offering the use of a phone to cancel credit cards or call a family member. If your festival has an app with the person’s ticket info, you could help them log in on a staff device so they have some form of ID/proof of ticket on hand. In some cases, festivals have given victims a small voucher for a free meal or drink – a gesture to say “we’re sorry this happened; please don’t let it ruin your time.” Small kindnesses can seriously mitigate a bad situation and demonstrate that the festival cares.
• Work with law enforcement: If a suspect is caught, you’ll need a plan for how to detain and hand them over safely. Ideally, have police or professional security handle any direct confrontation. If attendees themselves catch a thief (as has happened – sometimes a group will realize who’s doing it and tackle the person), make sure your security intervenes to take control and keep things calm. You don’t want a mob beating up a suspect. It’s wise to have a secure holding area (even just a back-of-house tent or trailer) where a detained individual can be kept under guard until police formally arrest or remove them. Collect any recovered stolen items carefully and keep records – these will need to be returned to owners or held as evidence. Festivals that facilitate the return of stolen goods (through Lost & Found working with police) earn huge goodwill from attendees.
• After-action follow-up: In the aftermath, be transparent if there was a spate of thefts and you addressed it. For example, if your team caught a thief, you might put out a post-event statement or social media post thanking attendees for their vigilance and noting that, “We’re happy to report the individual responsible for the phone thefts was apprehended on-site and items were returned.” This not only reassures those who were worried, but also serves as a warning to any future bad actors that your event takes crime seriously. If items were not recovered, do your best in post-event communications to guide victims on how to contact local police or your Lost & Found in case something turns up. Many festivals publish a Lost & Found report after the weekend (e.g. “we have X number of phones and Y wallets, here’s how to claim yours”). Be proactive in trying to make people whole – it shows integrity.

Ultimately, a quick and caring response can turn an incident into a learning experience and even a positive story. Attendees might arrive home saying, “I lost my phone, but the festival staff were amazing – they helped me find it/at least helped me sort things out.” That’s a lot better than “a bunch of us got our phones stolen and no one at the festival cared.” Speed, coordination, and compassion are your best tools when dealing with theft on-site.

Preserving Trust and Reputation

Festivals aren’t just about one weekend of fun – they’re built on a brand and a community trust that develops over years. If attendees feel safe and looked after, they’re more likely to return next time and to speak positively about the event to others. On the flip side, a festival that becomes notorious for theft problems can suffer real damage to its reputation. No organizer wants to see headlines about their event being “a phone thief’s paradise” or to discover that their festival has made the list of pickpockets’ favorite targets. (In London, for instance, police data has been used to rank which events saw the most device theft, literally naming and shaming certain festivals in the press (www.londonworld.com).) Proactively tackling pickpocketing is therefore not only a matter of safety but also of public relations and trust.

When you implement the strategies discussed – visible security, lockers, awareness campaigns, tech solutions, etc. – make sure your audience knows about it. Highlighting your anti-theft measures in marketing materials or on the festival website can reassure ticket-buyers that you’ve got their back. It signals, “We care about your whole experience, not just selling you a ticket.” Parents of younger festival-goers, in particular, appreciate knowing a festival is taking safety seriously. Some festivals even include a line in press releases or during opening ceremonies about their security efforts (e.g. thanking local police, noting new CCTV systems or safety programs). This isn’t just fluff – it sets a tone that safety is part of the culture.

Moreover, engaging the community in these efforts can turn it into a positive story. For example, if you invite attendees to help keep the festival safe and they succeed in deterring crime, celebrate that! Share an anecdote on social media about how festival-goers helped spot a pickpocket, or how the lost property team managed to return 100 phones to their owners – anything that flips the narrative to successes rather than losses. Local media love feel-good angles such as volunteers guarding campsites or record-low crime statistics at an event thanks to new measures. By being ahead of the issue, you control the story.

In summary, protecting attendees and their belongings is an integral part of running a festival that people love and trust. It may not be as glamorous as booking headline artists or as visible as giant stage designs, but safety and security planning (including prevention of petty theft) underpins the entire attendee experience. When guests walk out of your festival with all their possessions intact and great memories to share, you’ve built a foundation for long-term loyalty. They’ll know this is an event where they can let go and have fun, without looking over their shoulder – and that peace of mind is priceless.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the threat: Recognize that crowded festivals can attract professional pickpocket groups. Analyze past incidents, common tactics (like distraction and crowd surges), and high-risk areas of your event to inform your prevention plan.
• Smart site design: Use festival layout to your advantage. Install good lighting and CCTV coverage, eliminate hidden corners, and control crowd flow to reduce opportunities for thieves to strike unseen.
• Secure storage for valuables: Provide lockers or free lock-up stations so attendees have a safe option for their belongings. Well-advertised locker availability encourages people to stash items instead of carrying everything, greatly reducing theft risk.
• Strong security presence: Deploy a mix of visible uniformed security and discreet undercover officers. Trained security patrolling the grounds (especially in dense crowds) both deters criminals and enables quick action when a theft is spotted.
• Attendee awareness: Educate festival-goers with pre-event tips and on-site reminders. Encourage a buddy system and reporting of suspicious activity. Informed attendees who stay vigilant and look out for each other make life difficult for pickpockets.
• Collaboration with authorities: Work closely with local police and agencies. Coordinate on advanced intelligence, have police present on-site or on call, and establish joint strategies (like undercover operations) to catch thieves. Share information and make security a team effort.
• Leverage technology: Embrace tools like cashless payments (to minimize cash theft), high-tech ticketing (to keep trespassers out), surveillance cameras, and phone-tracking assistance. Tech can add layers of protection and help identify culprits if incidents occur.
• Rapid response and recovery: Be prepared to respond swiftly if thefts happen. Make it easy for attendees to report losses, assist them immediately, and involve security/police to apprehend suspects. Afterwards, facilitate the return of recovered items and be transparent about actions taken.
• Maintain trust: By prioritizing safety and theft prevention, you protect your festival’s reputation. Attendees will notice the effort – and a festival known for keeping its people safe will earn loyalty in a highly competitive market.