The 8th Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Steal

As a crime I think stealing is one of the worst possible things you can do to another human being. Sure its not nearly as awful as killing or raping another person, but its pretty damn awful. You feel completely violated like nothing you have in this world is safe and it may have more of an affect on your life than just losing some type of possesion.

Recently my brother was jumped while walking home from a bar one night on Staten Island. He lost his cell phone, his iPod, and about $200. Yes he was okay and that's really all that matters, and his friends came to his aide and chipped in to buy him a new cell phone, but now he feels he can't walk home when he wants to and instead must wait for a ride from other people or call a cab. His rights have been violated.

In Brussels, the indie band Grizzly Bear had their equipment stolen from their van prompting the band to cancel 12 shows left on their 2006 tour. So not only do they have to pay to replace the equipment lost, they lose the income that 12 shows may have brought to the band. Also the people that bought tickets to their shows are robbed of the experience of seeing the band.

La Rocca also faced this problem when both their van and the equipment inside their van was taken from them in Philadelphia. They lost equipment that they had had since they were kids just learning to play their instruments, losing a lot of sentimental value as well as monetary value. They also don't know if they'll be able to play their next couple of shows.

The stealing of a band's gear has seemed to reach an epidemic level and I have to wonder where all this stuff is going to. Obviously the thieves are selling the equipment to other musicians and I have to ask why another musician would pay for something they know to be stolen. Its pretty obvious it's stolen too if its being sold for way less than the normal value, or if there is a band's stencil on the instrument. It needs to be stopped because it's really ridiculous at this point.

If you ever come across gear you might think is stolen report it. If its on craigslist you can report the user and they can call the authorities to investigate. If you see a piece of equipment in a pawn shop and it says a bands name on it, e-mail the band and let them know about it. Check out the links above to get the full stories of what's been taken and if you're in those areas keep your eyes out for any of the stuff. Also any bands that are reading this, make sure you are securing your equipment at night. Try to bring as much of it inside as possible, or have someone stay with it each night. I know its a pain in the ass but it beats getting your shit jacked!

Cold War Kids - "Robbers"
Jane's Addiction - "Been Caught Stealing"
The Clash - "Police & Thieves"
The Beastie Boys - "Car Thief"