I'm looking to start busking today or some other time, but do you think I should always have someone to watch my back everytime I perform on the streets?

It's not a bad idea to have someone watching your back especially if you are younger. Also, it's not a bad idea to go out and meet some of the buskers around your area and befriend them, as they will possibly look out for you as well. Busking can be very dangerous, and you will need to take the correct precautions.

Very good advice, I was about to say the same thing.

So I'm a year late to this topic... I wanna feel helpful!

I try to bring a friend when I busk... they can pal around the area I'm busking but they check in every 30 minutes (usually right after I finish a show... since I doubt anyone would try anything in front of a crowd of 100 people).

I'm very good friends with the fellow buskers here in Balboa Park and I notice that they stick around and watch out for me.

*flys away*

Does your city have a concealed-weapons permit?

Not sure, perhaps I should look into that...

ElC don't be stupid again!! Do NOT carry any weapons regardless of legality while busking. An accidental flash of a weapon and your crowd is GONE faster than passing gass.

This idea is so stupid reguardless of it flashing or not.I'm sure Jeff was joking when he said "Not sure, perhaps I should look into that..."

Don

Learn to juggle knives. Problem Solved

You have been helpful, Guardian.

EXCELLENT BM!


Concealed weapon permits, (CCW) in California are obtained by the sheriff on one's county and there is a slim to none chance that one can be obtained. People are working on that though. Sacramento County just became relaxed with issuances there. Through out the State it is lawful to openly carry, by those at least 18 years old, on your belt/holster (fully visible) as long as the gun isn't loaded. Although magazines may be loaded and carried separate from the gun in a belt holster, etc. There are certain other restrictions like not carrying within 1000' of a K-12 school and certain government buildings. On college campuses I believe one needs direct permission from the college president. California is one of more strict states, others may not be so.

It's highly recommended to research and know the laws in your area. Read the laws yourself don't just ask about them. They are available online for all jurisdictions. Also discuss at opencarry.org, there are sub-forums for each state.
There is much more to consider than can be discussed here. Get to know others with experience and learn from them before attempting any carrying.

With that aside;
As far as actually carrying; Unless your character is from the wild west it probably won't go over well. Not too many black-ops magicians are there? Instead, I recommend a friend or even two, escort you to your vehicle after each pass of the hat or get to know a nearby shop owner who will watch your blessings until much time has passed. (A lock box would be handy here.) Get to know the law enforcement officers in the area and let them know about your performances and see if they wouldn't mind making themselves visible. That's what they are there for. Paddy has a good point, weapons that are not part of the entertainment won't mix well if the audience is aware.

As the economy worsens and things get rougher all over, robberies and violent crime will increase. Busking and street vending will become more popular and for some, their means of survival. Survival is about thinking ahead.

For thinking ahead of being a potential victim;
Don't count your blessings in the open and don't head for the public restroom.
I would keep a smaller amount of bills separate from a larger amount and be willing to give up the smaller.
Carrying a wad of printed up fakes might not hurt.
Keep the wad in a drawstring pouch which will make it more difficult to open quickly and the perp. may run off with it without taking the time to look inside.
Put real bills on top and add a few coins to the mix too.
Risking possessions with tactics may be more valuable than risking one's life with force.

EZ, the only rule to remember is LOOK! Be aware of what's going on around you. Don't be stupid. That's it. I never count money where anyone can see me, even accidentally. In short I always wait until I get home or to my motel, before I count. As a result I have carried over $600 on occasion to my car. I always stuff it in my savante, or pouch if I use that and go. Now I don't park in dark spots, I always park as close to the pitch as I can is as lighted a spot as possible. If I am not sure I will ask a security officer to escort me and they always will.

I can't believe this is even being discussed.Do you guys hear what you are saying ? "Carry a loaded gun to go do some street magic" Are you all wacked out of your ever love'n minds ? If you feel like you really need a loaded gun to do a 15 min magic show you better go fine a different venue...go do birthday parties....but not over 6 years olds...otherwise you will want to take a club with you incase the kids get to loud

Stupid...stupid...stupid !

Don

GREAT advice Paddy. Although we will be seeing people getting bolder with their robbery attempts even with cameras on like posted below. In that instance the gentleman shouldn't have been exposing his cash even though he assumed he was safe inside. Now if he was holding decoy money/wallet etc. and was approached in a more confrontational style, he could hand that over.

Someone who intends to rob a busker may be hanging out in advance to "scope out the scene" and get an idea of how many people give tips. Not counting one's tips in public sure is wise but may not be enough to deter a bad guy. A false wad sure could come in handy.

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Robbers grab cash out of man's hand at Mountain View Walmart

By Diana Samuels

Daily News Staff Writer
Posted: 01/04/2011 04:53:13 AM PST
Updated: 01/04/2011 04:53:14 AM PST

Robbers grabbed $350 out of a man's hand at a Mountain View Walmart on Friday, police said.

The 70-year-old victim was between the electronics and baby departments in the Walmart at 600 Showers Drive at about 3:30 p.m., when two men approached, ripped the money out of his hands and fled, police spokeswoman Liz Wylie said.

She did not know why the victim, a Mountain View resident, was holding so much cash.

One suspect was described as about 45 years old, 5 feet 6 inches tall and 180 pounds. He had gray hair, brown eyes and was wearing a brown sweatshirt. The other man was about 40 years old, 5 feet 3 inches tall and 140 pounds. He was wearing a black sweatshirt.

Walmart's security team is looking through surveillance footage, Wylie said.

Just to make a point. If safety is a BIG concern, find another way to make a living. Be careful, don't take stupid chances and don't sweat it.