Theft Prevention At Events

[Hazardman 101]

Hey All,

In two weeks time I will be hosting a day long event of an assortment of scenarios at my local game shop for Free RPG. Both me and the Venture Captain for my area are concerned about the potentiality of the theft of cards. Aside from a standard sign in sheets to protect the participants and property of borrowed decks, what other means could be used for further protection of participants and cards.

[Jason S]

This week at Origins, something like 10 base sets were out at all times. And there's no way Tanis could have watched every box or even what we were doing at our tables.

Having said that, I think 99% of gamers are a good bunch and wouldn't steal cards.

You either need to trust them or play with them.

[JDragon_ITTS]

I agree that 99% are good and have heard more stories of gamers looking out for each other than stealing stuff.

In my experience with conventions most theft comes from outsiders coming through taking advantage of the trusting nature of gamers.

[Keith Richmond]

From my memory of Gen Con last year which ran what felt like hundreds of tables, there was fairly minimal loss. I want to say a minor scattering of boons (I suggest being very proactive about gathering up boons at cleanup so folks get their deck upgrades and don't accidentally walk off with stuff) and like 2 pregen decks.

I'd be most worried about pregen decks, cause folks could instinctively try to pack them away. If you're really worried about it, you could do an ID swap for pregens.

Just realize that the more effort you put into theft prevention, the more people will realize you don't trust them.

[Vic Wertz]

At PaizoCon, we had a bunch of loaner class decks available, left largely unattended for much of the time, and every single deck was present at the end of the show. Yay for our honest community!

[ThreeEyedSloth]

I had a Skull & Shackles box with fancy Broken Token insert stolen at a local con last year. Just make sure you always have someone you trust watching things at big events at all times.

[Philo Pharynx]

Print out a picture that has a face that's looking at them. Psychologically, people are less likely to steal when somebody's looking at them, even a picture. By choosing appropriate art, it simply looks like decoration and not a paper golem guardian.

[Keith Richmond]

That is an awesome card idea.

[Tanis O'Connor]

In my experience, the most common box problem I have after a con is certain cards migrating from set to set. At Origins, for some reason, 3 Cecilla the Uprooters ended up in one box.

Since I printed the loaner decks for Gen Con last year, I've brought them to 3 shows (GC, BGG.con, Origins) and have had < 10% loss. Oddly, it's concentrated in the Wizard decks, so I guess keep an eye on those shady wizard players.

[ThreeEyedSloth]

I think Gaby is stealing all your Ezrens for her nefarious Ezren army.

[Hazardman 101]

Based off of all the input it seems as if I could be putting too much concern into this issue. However, this is my first time running an event like this so I am slightly paranoid and thinking of what-ifs and worst case scenarios to protect as many people as possible. I appreciate all of the advice given.

I am shocked that the Bards and Rogues weren't the first to disappear but then again I run Siwar from the Bard deck so she might be talking her way out of being swiped.

[Mike Selinker]

Write your name on the front of the box. Anyone who steals it is telling everyone they stole it from you.

Note: I have written my name on a lot of boxes, so this may not work for me.

[Andrew L Klein]

Mike all my PACG products have your name on them. What's your home address so I can return them to you in person?

PS This is not a ruse to meet and stalk you.

PPS Really, I promise.

[zeroth_hour]

But Mike, you wrote my name on the box as well as yours. Whose box is it then?