Ever consider a Targus Defcon 1 to help deter theft?

I've seen the news and have read horror stories on several forums with people's equipment being stolen during an engagement, more likely weddings. I suggest using the Targus Defcon 1. Although you won't need to secure it to an immovable or difficult to move object, the motion sensor would help. I use it to help secure my golf clubs when I'm away from them. I put the rain cover over my clubs, then wrap and tighten the Defcon 1 cable around the rain cover. So if anyone tries to quickly run away with my clubs, the alarm will go off. You could probably do the same with your equipment. Just wrap the Defcon 1 cable around your bag and lock it. Or use a regular lock to lock the bag, then wrap the Defcon 1 cable around the bag and through your other secured lock. And for even better security, befriend the band/DJ and keep your equipment up on the table or close to their equipment. So your gear can easily be seen, as by others. And having the Defcon 1, if someone still tries to grab & run with your equipment, the alarm will go off.

BTW, don't forget, this IS a $50 laptop lock with motion alarm. Although it is decent, it's not the best, but it may help prevent those grab & run instances. Just don't expect S.W.A.T., FBI/CIA, or even Homeland Security to come down on them when they do. As with any alarm system, if anyone really wanted to get your equipment, there's always a way.

"if anyone really wanted to get your equipment, there's always a way."

well said. I have one of those too, and they are EXTREMELY sensitive. If a guest kicks the lock it will go off and that will make you look more like "that guy" rather than someone who is professional.

Most thefts are not forceful (from what I have observed on the forums) and has mostly been due to gross negligence by leaving the gear behind or unattended.

^ I actually own one and managed to dig it out from the garage after reading this post. 5 years later with a new battery, the alarm does not work.

I most likely have the 1st generation which wasn't up to the build quality of the one that is listed on buy.com

It's a pos.

And for what it's worth. I just used a screw driver to gain access to the battery by prying the cover off. Once the power to the alarm was disabled, a simple set of plyers is all you need to pry off the plastic contact point.

Although I somewhat agree that the product was well thought out, it will only deter people.

Another less obvious way is to leave it in a pocket, preferably one that will be moved when you open the bag. So if someone were to open the bag or even takes off with it, the motion alarm will go off. I doubt they will stick around to see what's going on or even pull it out and throw it to the side. Just make sure you tell your partners it's there.

I love the thing. As I mentioned, I keep one with my golf bag. Even with some rainy occasions, making a wet bag, the condensation or moisture still hasn't effected it and is still fully functional. I've had mine for over 10 years. I do plan on getting another one to keep with my photo gear.