SAXOPHONE THEFT

What to do now?

• Inform the police. Immediately. Stolen items can travel very fast and immediate action gives the police the best chance.
• Register the details on the list.
• Let as many people know as soon as possible. Post a message in the Stolen Instruments section of Sax On The Web.

Prevention is better than cure

Obviously the best situation is not to have your saxophone stolen in the first place. Easy to say until it happens to you. I once had a valuable MKVI tenor stolen from a dressing room while I was away for two minutes. After telling the clubowner I was calling the poilce immediately, it mysteriously reappeared from behind the bar. Apparently one of the barmen (a drug addict) had nicked the horn and was about to pop round the corner with it to make a fast £10.

• Avoid leaving your saxophone unattended anywhere
• Ask clubowners for a dressing room key. Sometimes they will actually oblige. If you have a contract for gigs, make it a stipulation that the dressing room is lockable.
• If you have to leave a horn in your car, make sure it is not visible and the car is immobilised and alarmed.
• Check with your local police if security precautions at your home are adequate

Instrument Details

• Write down serial numbers
• Make a note of any distinguishing features on the saxophone, including the case and accessories
• Take photographs

Make copies of these details and keep them with you when you are taking your horn anywhere, also keep them in a safe place at home and send copies to your insurance company. You are insured, right?