Theft drummed in to me the importance of security

JACK Darvill has been more careful with his belongings after he lost valuables worth £150 at Boomtown Festival in Winchester, Hampshire, two summers ago.

He had his wallet, phone, and various other items stolen from his tent while he slept.

The 27-year-old freelance musician from Brixton, South London, had returned to his campsite in the early hours of the morning, after a long day enjoying all the festival had to offer.

But when he woke up later that day, he realised several of his belongings had gone.

Jack says: ‘It was a really hot weekend, so I’d left the front flaps of my tent open to let in some air. I think someone must have peeked in and seen me sleeping – and my valuables around me – and taken whatever they could grab.

‘My friends and I had deliberately camped in a circle so we could keep an eye out for each other, but I think the thieves must have seen me as an easy target.’

He adds: ‘I reported the theft to the festival staff, but I resigned myself to the loss. Fortunately, I had taken an old Nokia phone with me rather than my expensive Android smartphone and my friends lent me cash to get through the remaining days.’

Jack is still a keen festival-goer, but is now attending as a performer. Gigs that he is set to play at this year include Nozstock in Herefordshire (July 21-23) and Outlook in Croatia (September 7-10).

He says: ‘Going to festivals as a drummer means I get to stay in the artist camping areas which have a higher level of security.

‘Nonetheless, I am now a lot more safety conscious. I take less stuff with me and keep my phone, wallet and other valuables in a utility belt, so I have them on me at all times.’