Royal Albert Hall worker stole £40k of equipment

A former Royal Albert Hall employee stole more than £40,000 worth of microphones and equipment in thefts carried out both before and after his dismissal, a court has heard.

Calvin Williams, 35, from Hammersmith, admitted theft and burglary after taking the items from the venue and attempting to sell them online.

The Royal Albert Hall reported 58 microphones and associated accessories were stolen, with a total value of £42,319.33.

Williams was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court to six months' imprisonment for theft and a further 13 months for burglary, both suspended for 18 months.

Williams initially stole about £13,000 worth of equipment between April and June 2025 while working as a "casual shift worker", the court heard.

He was later sacked, but security staff did not deactivate his access card.

When Williams returned to the concert hall for an appeal meeting, he discovered he could still enter the storage cupboard.

He went on to steal a further £31,000 worth of equipment on 8 August 2025.

Police arrested him in October last year and found "numerous microphones and microphone holders" at his home, the prosecution said.

Williams must also complete 150 hours of unpaid work, undertake 20 days of rehabilitation activity, and repay £8,400 to the Royal Albert Hall over the next two years.

The Royal Albert Hall has been contacted for comment.

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