quote:

How concerned do I need to be about security of my display?

IMHO, unfortunately, you do.

Things can disappear from tables. During the last discussion I had with a fellow table holder on the subject, he told me people took the light bulbs from some 022 switch controllers.

I would never leave a table unattended.

Do NOT leave it unattended!

The old saying, "An Ounce of Prevention, Prevents a Pound of Cure", I suggest you have someone watch your goods, if you go away from your prized possessions.  We live in different times, Be Prepared....Nuff Sayd....

Never leave it unattended. I had an engine disappear off the table during a crowded open house when parked on a siding. We don't park trains in front any more.

I have had to leave my table to go to the restroom, have rushed, or, if I am lucky,

asked the guy next to me to watch mine while I was gone, and I would reciprocate.

Sounds like a great weekend of baby sitting trains for 8 hours a day

The vast majority of people are honest but there is always a bad seed in any group. You always have to be concerned about that possible 1 in 1000 occurrence. That's why we have locks and alarms.

Thieves are in every walk of society and its a fact of life, but with no free ride.  After committing their dastardly deed, thieves always wonder why life treats them so badly. Point is that some people will steal but in the end they end up paying ten fold.

You will have to leave your display area/table sometime during the show to get something to eat, go to the restroom, or just to see what else is at the show.  You can take several steps to help protect your things.

Ask the fellow next to you to watch your table when you are absent.  This isn't foolproof because this guy may become distracted when making a sale, etc.  Bring a friend with you to help watch your display.  Cover your display with a cloth when you are absent.  

There really is no way to cover all the possibilities to stop a determined thief.  I have sold at many shows and so far I have been lucky and have not lost anything.  In the end, you have to trust that people are going to be honest just as you have to trust that oncoming car drivers are going to stay on their side of the road.  

NH Joe

If I go to a train show to sell I usually bring another person with me, my wife or a train buddy. Also here in south Florida we have little kids and teenage kids that come to the shows at times, sometimes without parents either. The teenage kids think the stuff is toys and can break your engines very quickly. So always be alert!

Lee Fritz