Just been listening to Eddie Pillers latest 'totally wired' radio show on mixcloud . Eddie somewhat deflated and putting live djing on hold after having 30 records stolen whilst djing in Germany last week?

Anyone else 'losing' 45s this way recently?

30!?

I've read in past of people losing 1 or 2 (that's bad enough), but 30?

How do you not notice 30 go missing?

Hope he gets them back.

It's every DJ's nightmare.  I expect some chancer grabbed a handful of records and scarpered in seconds, which could easily happen, especially if lots of people were on the stage - This kind of thing was not really on people's minds years ago, but nowadays is different - Keep a sharp eye on your Gems!

I used to put a 'wall' of tables along the back (For the DJ's records) But also along both sides, so there was only a small gap left to get to the stage. Mainly to control 'decks traffic', but it also made it very noticeable to the DJ who had joined them.

A shame it happens at all of course, but glad it rarely does.

Len 

Pep had a handful taken from his box recently, Kitch had one lifted.  

Security for Djs is often non-existent but given the cost of the records often behind the decks it should be a priority.

Hangins to good got to be the full braveheart death for such behaviour.

Always remember going off Kevin Rowland for about twenty years when I found out he had stolen someone’s guitar.

 

A friend of mine had a whole box of British originals lifted many years ago from Samanth's so not really a new thing ,, as for policing don't think security should get involved,, How about each DJ covering each other (i.e.) be on stage half hour early ,,,,when playing DJ finishes he stays for half hour so we have a roll on effect ,,, all backs covered 

4 hours ago, Chalky said:

Pep had a handful taken from his box recently, Kitch had one lifted.  

Security for Djs is often non-existent but given the cost of the records often behind the decks it should be a priority.

Agreed Chalkie. The promoter could or should cover the costs of security around the decks. Given that some DJ boxes hold dozens of priceless gems, it makes sense that they have peace of mind when totally preoccupied.

Edited February 22, 20205 yr by Frankie Crocker
typo

1 hour ago, Monny1916 said:

A friend of mine had a whole box of British originals lifted many years ago from Samanth's so not really a new thing ,, as for policing don't think security should get involved,, How about each DJ covering each other (i.e.) be on stage half hour early ,,,,when playing DJ finishes he stays for half hour so we have a roll on effect ,,, all backs covered 

Some DJ’s can not be trusted... best if the security is neutral and does not collect rare records...

If your talking about Samantha’s Sheffield, it has to be the one of the worst venues ever for thefts.  
With the DJ facing the dance floor, your record box would be behind you. 
I had several nicked in 1974 and again in 2005. 
I duly ceased promoting  immediately thereafter. 
The really sad part is, I was told that the thief simply did it because ..... ‘I could afford to lose them’......😩

Edited February 22, 20205 yr by Goldsoul

35 minutes ago, Frankie Crocker said:

Agreed Chalkie. The promoter could or should cover the costs of securityaround the decks. Given that some DJ boxes hold dozens of priceless gems, it makes sense that they have peace of mind when totally preoccupied.

Unfortunately the promoters would only offset the cost to the good folk that go regards S

 

17 minutes ago, Goldsoul said:

If your talking about Samantha’s Sheffield, it has to be the one of the worst venues ever for thefts.  
With the DJ facing the dance floor, your record box would be behind you. 
I had several nicked in 1974 and again in 2005. 
I duly ceased promoting there immediately after. 
The really sad part is, I was told that the thief simply did it because ..... ‘I could afford to lose them’......😩

How sad are some people have or have not precious or cheap nobody can afford to lose anything they treasure,, regards Stephen 

 

Only djs on the stage and one table at each end for each dj so the other dj has no need to go near your box/table 

48 minutes ago, Monny1916 said:

Unfortunately the promoters would only offset the cost to the good folk that go regards S

 

How sad are some people have or have not precious or cheap nobody can afford to lose anything they treasure,, regards Stephen 

 

My losses totaled around 5 grand. Industry colleague Sean Chapman had 2k’s worth lifted at Prestatyn and now refuses to stand at venues with collectibles. 😩😥

Can someone explain how they are being stolen?

2 hours ago, Frankie Crocker said:

Agreed Chalkie. The promoter could or should cover the costs of security around the decks. Given that some DJ boxes hold dozens of priceless gems, it makes sense that they have peace of mind when totally preoccupied.

The Dj area, decks etc should be a no go area nowadays.  I know the majority are no threat but there is and always have been one or two who will rob their granny given the chance.  Sadly they will spoil it for all.

 

1 hour ago, Monny1916 said:

Unfortunately the promoters would only offset the cost to the good folk that go regards S

Entry costs are far too cheap as it is, go to any other club scene and you pay far more.  I'd sooner pay extra for a venue that isn't a flea pit, is comfortable and safe.

1 hour ago, Jnixon said:

Can someone explain how they are being stolen?

Straightforward opportunism. There has to be someone to sell em on to......sadly those dealers & ‘collectors’ never come forward as I can testify! 

Sadly OVO commitments at venues tell them where to go.

3 hours ago, Goldsoul said:

My losses totaled around 5 grand. Industry colleague Sean Chapman had 2k’s worth lifted at Prestatyn and now refuses to stand at venues with collectibles. 😩😥

Wow Kev. That’s truly awful. Just indicates how woeful security is, and worse still, the presence of scumbags on the scene.

Go for the latter 

7 hours ago, Goldsoul said:

Straightforward opportunism. There has to be someone to sell em on to......sadly those dealers & ‘collectors’ never come forward as I can testify! 

Don’t give people an opportunity then. I really don’t get this. It is easily avoided. 

3 hours ago, Jnixon said:

Don’t give people an opportunity then. I really don’t get this. It is easily avoided. 

These days most seasoned pro’s are on double guard duty against predators.  When you have done you fair share of gigs though, you can still get caught cold. 

1 hour ago, Goldsoul said:

These days most seasoned pro’s are on double guard duty against predators.  When you have done you fair share of gigs though, you can still get caught cold. 

Not if you always have the records with you. I just don’t get this. Unless people are getting whacked on the head or house broken into, then it’s their own fault. 

Would you leave 50k in cash laying about with a load of pissed people you don’t really know. Seasoned pro seems like a stretch as basic errors are being made. 

 

Hi-Take your point but goes far wider than that  

In my case we are talking 15 years ago. 
And 28 years past....an even bigger loss! 
Sean C around 6 years. It’s not every week.  
The point I was trying to make is, there have been and still are malicious predators willing to nick anyone’s goods given half a chance. 
Some have the fence ready to offload to. 
You can imagine after 48 years on the scene, one could easily name a few names.....which I certainly won’t do.  

 

Trouble is at some venues there's so many records behind the decks  numerous boxes in many cases it only takes a few seconds for someone to lift some if the dj is distracted by someone asking for a request. The decks area should be a no go area like chalky said. 

1 hour ago, Jnixon said:

Not if you always have the records with you. I just don’t get this. Unless people are getting whacked on the head or house broken into, then it’s their own fault. 

Would you leave 50k in cash laying about with a load of pissed people you don’t really know. Seasoned pro seems like a stretch as basic errors are being made. 

 

Suspected that some DJs are at this. Changeover times, first DJ is facing the crowd or cueing up record, second is opening box and pulling stuff out, faffing about with his back to the audience, very easy to lift at that time if the second DJ is dodgy. There is no other explanation and the idea of random punters wandering up, and doing it in full view of everyone in the room seems somehow less plausible. Maybe need two tables, one for DJ1 and one for DJ2.  I am convinced, unpleasant as it sounds, they walk amongst us. 

 

Edited February 23, 20205 yr by Steve G

48 minutes ago, Steve G said:

Suspected that some DJs are at this. Changeover times, first DJ is facing the crowd or cueing up record, second is opening box and pulling stuff out, faffing about with his back to the audience, very easy to lift at that time if the second DJ is dodgy. There is no other explanation and the idea of random punters wandering up, and doing it in full view of everyone in the room seems somehow less plausible. Maybe need two tables, one for DJ1 and one for DJ2.  I am convinced, unpleasant as it sounds, they walk amongst us. 

 

Right well that’s sounds awful. 

Keep your eye on the records at all times , if it’s not in front of you PUT it in front of you. Common sense don’t leave it behind you?? Make your own record stand.... don’t have anyone up on stage. Tell them politely to leave..... 2nd time.... 🤬. Carelessness.... don’t know how anyone could turn their backs on thousands of pounds of records 🤯🤔. Should be number one priority ??

 

This scene is far too trusting, it is by and large very friendly but it attracts people from all walks of life and just like the real world its share of scumbags.

 There is a lot of shit that happens which a lot are unaware of and ignorant too, usually because they focus solely on the social aspect.  But when you Dj, promote or have any involvement that goes further than simply turning up, having a dance and going home you get exposed to it and it isn't always pleasurable. 

Just about every Dj opens his or her box and trust those around them to not pinch anything but as Kev says there are opportunists about and given the chance they will be in.  Juts about every Dj leaves there records under a table behind the decks, if you have a few Djs there is an awful lot of money up there and promoters need to up security now.

Between spots I lock the box and chain it to a table or something - ok wont stop a targetted approach but should stop the chancers. Whilst playing I cant see you can have the records in view as there is usually nowhere to put them except behind you. Maybe need to have the mrs up there to keep a watch - but a shame if it comes to that. 

 

When I guest DJ at Northern Soul night or all-dayer & your only on for an hour each & I constantly worry someone nicking my record box. There could be 6/8 boxes or records on stage at one time. It's a constant threat.... 🤔

Totally agree with all the above, record boxes should also be locked when not in use and use smaller play boxes, these are small measures to prevent a life altering experience. Having somebody on hand is the least a promoter should do when you consider the value of rare stuff 20 years ago to now. Its a different world now and the scene needs its collective shit together on this one. Peps & Kitch's experience and anyone else over the years that its happened to, this should be a warning that someone is at it and they might be ambitious. The best way to avoid risk is not expose yourself to it and to minimise it where it does exist. 

Logically, all promoters should have this covered in the event risk assessment, which should be standard practice to legally cover themselves at the very least. Trust is one thing but leaving yourself wide open is another. If you take all necessary precautions it will minimise any suspicion.

Sorry mate gotta concentrate on my spot, happy to talk to you afterwards. Sorry mate venue policy, no one else on stage, Health & safety. 

Altered this based on the good news below. Still think a chain will give DJs peace of mind

Edited February 23, 20205 yr by Imperial C

Eddie has posted on Facebook that his records have been found.

13 minutes ago, Chalky said:

Eddie has posted on Facebook that his records have been found.

Great news thanks for posting chalkie regards Stephen 

For those of us not on FB how were Eddies records found 🤔

In another DJ's box by mistake ... 

Less a matter of light-fingered punters , more a matter of a bunch of middle-aged geezers behind the decks who were probably swilling too much beer and staring at their phones all night .... happened less back in the "good old days" when everyone was so much more alert at 04:00 ... 

12 minutes ago, DaveR said:

For those of us not on FB how were Eddies records found 🤔

They were accidentally picked up by another DJ I think, he found them in his bag and text Eddie to say he had them.  All will be returned that is all that matters. 

2 minutes ago, Chalky said:

They were accidentally picked up by another DJ I think, he found them in his bag and text Eddie to say he had them.  All will be returned that is all that matters. 

Everyone is getting older and clumsy LOL 😀

Many year's ago I went to our regular soul night & everyone was invited to take one record & if they did it was played. At the end of the night I went up to collect mine (The Embers. Watch out girl) and it was not there. Had everybody looking everywhere. We found it in Soul Sam's record box. He played it thinking it was his as he had the same record & he put it in his record box by mistake. Lol.  Hahaha.... 

Just another soul story.... 

2 minutes ago, Pablorally said:

Many year's ago I went to our regular soul night & everyone was invited to take one record & if they did it was played. At the end of the night I went up to collect mine (The Embers. Watch out girl) and it was not there. Had everybody looking everywhere. We found it in Soul Sam's record box. He played it thinking it was his as he had the same record & he put it in his record box by mistake. Lol.  Hahaha.... 

Just another soul story.... 

The venue was The Bowling Green in Newark. Did anybody else go there back in the day? I think it was run by Pete Ward & Geoff?. Lol

26 minutes ago, Pablorally said:

The venue was The Bowling Green in Newark. Did anybody else go there back in the day? I think it was run by Pete Ward & Geoff?. Lol

https://www.closedpubs.co.uk/nottinghamshire/newark_bowlinggreen.html

Some hardware played there 

😭😭😭 another pub bite's the dust....

At least I have my memories. Just..

Had one or two taken my self in the past, nothing worse than F**kers on stage mitherin about F**k-all, I now tell em to piss-off.

It sounds a bit blunt, but cheaper than replacing records because someones has sticky fingers.

Edited February 24, 20205 yr by northernnigel60

11 hours ago, Chalky said:

They were accidentally picked up by another DJ I think, he found them in his bag and text Eddie to say he had them.  All will be returned that is all that matters. 

Thats great news.  I was listening to the show where Eddie was talking about it.  I'm glad this ended well for him.

Perhaps the DJ plus one person accompanies on stage and does the security to prevent light fingers removing the gems. Some precious records have distinct marks that cant be removed or hidden; owners photographing those labels and keeping a copy, should the record unexpectedly vanish the owner could post the picture on here so the thief may have difficulty selling them or even using them for their own purposes... Just an idea do we need a missing items page on this site to deter light fingers?  

I had my full play box stolen from my estate car, broke the back window and away with the mixer however they were scallies who didn’t know what they’d got and couldn’t keep their mouths shut, they were spoken too in a sensible way returned the box everything intact plus a new radio and cassette system which they probably would have stolen from some other poor bugger. I was lucky, but I have over the years had around a couple of dozen stolen at different venues, it’s funny but I used to have a second sense about some that were stolen and check my box maybe a week later to find they’d gone.

ML

I do wonder if "bodycams" will become an essential DJ need (or a bodyguard)

14 minutes ago, Blackpoolsoul said:

I do wonder if "bodycams" will become an essential DJ need (or a bodyguard)

Be much simpler to keep your records where you can see them. 

Perhaps we should  all start playing home made cd, s no one would nick them 😂😂😂run for Cover flack Coming my way lol 

How fast can you run.... 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃

I never had anything worth nicking,  infact people used to put decent records in my box😋🤣

If you got several grands worth of records whilst DJing, just get a mate to stand guard behind you.