EDC Orlando takes creative approach to catching phone thieves

EDC Orlando resolves rising phone theft with an innovative resolution to check festival attendees’ bags upon leaving Tinker Field.

Most, if not some, can say they have had their phone stolen at an electronic dance music festival or rave. It has happened to the best of us, in the best of times.

One moment, you are jumping up and down at Neon Garden, having the time of your life with your friends. The next minute, someone is walking through the crowd, “trips on you,” and boom, someone else from behind you seamlessly steals your phone within seconds.

EDC Orlando has instructed all security guards at festival exits to complete a bag check. Specifically, festival security guards must check the weight of each festival attendee’s bag leaving Tinker Field.

Security guards must complete a thorough bag check if the bag is heavy. Consequently (and fortunately), security guards will alert the police for arrest.

According to one of the EDC Orlando security guards, phone thieves will usually stack the stolen phones in one bag. Furthermore, phone thieves will cover the phone in aluminum foil so the phones do not receive any cellphone service.

It is common to find ravers with anti-theft bags to lower the chances of phone theft. For a festivalgoer victim to replace a phone, it can cost between $400 to +$1,000. With a sold-out fueled-up lineup like EDC Orlando 2024, it is prevalent phone theft would increase.

Additionally, a stolen phone can result in data loss, including pictures, contacts, messages, and personal information. Consequently, the thief will sell and ship the phones to China.

This security method will give EDCO festival goers more of a chance to relocate their lost or stolen phones. Ultimately, EDC Orlando’s action will prevent thieves from returning to the festivals with the ulterior motive to steal.

Hopefully, this security measure will continue at every Insomniac show or festival moving forward. Moreover, this innovative initiation will inspire other festivals to increase their security detail for lost phones!