Startup Fights Gear Theft

The product is a fully functional tuning pedal that is tracked by GPS technology and can send bands notifications via phone if their equipment is being unexpectedly moved.

The startup pushing the initiative, Smrt Roadie, is based in St. Louis, a city the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports has become so notorious for equipment theft that smaller acts are actively leaving it off the routing to avoid what can be tens of thousands in losses.

The company should have a prototype for its device in the coming weeks, which will sell for approximately $150, according to the company’s founder.

Earlier this year police in Houston, another city been plagued with equipment theft, saw 130 arrested in connection with the stealing of vehicles and trailers which often contained musicians’ gear.