Security at SCA events

10:48 AM Posted In , Edit This 1 Comment »
I was recently asked as to how safe one's belongings are while eventing. And I couldn't answer right away. I am one of those people who doesn't expect people to be nasty, conniving, or dishonest. Not because I believe the best of people (I'm not that naive), but rather because I simply don't think in that manner. For example, I don't think, "Hrm, this is a great/valuable item that's just sitting out here being all tempting. Maybe I should hide it."
So I did a little research and thought about my, thus far somewhat limited, experiences.
  1. Don't leave things out in plain sight, particularly anything small that could easily be slipped into a pocket or hidden under a cloak. Most people won't bother going into your tent looking for goodies. Out of sight, out of temptation.
  2. If it's worth it, get a strong box. Something heavy, metal, and with a lock.
  3. Keep your tent shut while not in camp, also keeping bugs and moisture out. Get little padlocks for your tent if it zips up, if necessary. The harder it is to get inside, the less likely someone will be to do so.
  4. According to some, if you have a period camp passerby will be noticing and admiring, meaning more eyes to watch it.
  5. A friend I camped with at Egil's last year had a ninja tent. It was basically a green pup tent/tarp in some tall grass. It was only when we were packing up did I finally see where he had been sleeping. Talk about failing your spot AND search checks!
  6. Don't leave valuables in your car. You won't be visiting it until it's time to leave, anyway. And the parking lots usually aren't well patrolled.
  7. Keep your money in a pouch/on your person.

Personal safety.

  1. Trust your instincts. I cannot stress this enough. If they just don't seem quite right, they probably aren't.
  2. Don't camp alone. If you don't come back for food/meds/water/sleep/alcohol/clothes, someone will notice.
  3. Don't get stupid, falling down, I-don't-know-if-I'll-remember-this-in-the-morning drunk.
  4. Don't leave your drink where anyone has access to it. Although, knowing how most people share their beverages, this is not likely to happen.
  5. Don't be afraid to shout for help. You're surrounded by people, most of whom have sharp pointy objects of some sort, and practice chivalry. I guarantee you that not even a canvas tent will stand up to a good dagger.
  6. Carry a weapon. It's historically accurate to have at least a knife on your person for eating and chores. Or there's my personal favourite: a big stick. Most people call it a staff.

1 comments:

Kyelas said...

definelty a good trip to a local army surplus store with some one who has security credentials would be good, cause they can pickup the good stuff, like handcuffs, sprays, and batons for you, they also have great stuff at surplus stores.