Actions to Minimize Being Victim of Crime When Traveling, Taking Pictures? My husband and I were walking around in Valparaiso, Chile. I was carrying a camera, very visible. We walked...

Dynamics5

My husband and I were walking around in Valparaiso, Chile. I was carrying a camera, very visible. We walked by another tourist also with a camera. Shortly after passing him we heard him scream, saw 2 guys wrestle him to the ground to grab his camera. Luckily someone was walking a dog and chased the men away, but the incident could have ended very badly. Wonder about precautions to take when using camera where tourists are often targeted for crime besides resorting to smartphone?

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

I suppose one could use a walking stick with a knob on one end and use it as club. Also never walk alone.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Dynamics5 wrote:

My husband and I were walking around in Valparaiso, Chile. I was carrying a camera, very visible. We walked by another tourist also with a camera. Shortly after passing him we heard him scream, saw 2 guys wrestle him to the ground to grab his camera. Luckily someone was walking a dog and chased the men away, but the incident could have ended very badly. Wonder about precautions to take when using camera where tourists are often targeted for crime besides resorting to smartphone?

Don't carry a lot of gear with you. Don't use a camera strap and/or bag that has a camera brand and/or model on it. Be aware of your surroundings. If possible be in a group.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Dynamics5 wrote:

My husband and I were walking around in Valparaiso, Chile. I was carrying a camera, very visible. We walked by another tourist also with a camera. Shortly after passing him we heard him scream, saw 2 guys wrestle him to the ground to grab his camera. Luckily someone was walking a dog and chased the men away, but the incident could have ended very badly. Wonder about precautions to take when using camera where tourists are often targeted for crime besides resorting to smartphone?

I don't think there's a lot you CAN do besides just stay home and hope you don't have a home invasion robbery!!!
Take the normal precautions that make you feel safe for the surroundings, I think you'll know what those are for the situation, otherwise I don't think there's much else you can do.
Crime is everywhere and when you least expect it, both at home and abroad. Fortunately it's pretty rare!
I personally have never experienced personal violence or have witnessed it and have been 40 countries. Though I do go to tourist areas I tend to hang out in non-tourist areas so that might actually help!
Safe shooting!!!
SS

TheDman Loc: USA

I try to walk in countries with less crime. Also, no camera strap and I always have my tripod with me that could double as a whacking stick.

Dynamics5

No camera strap would be nerve wracking in case camera drops. If it is a cooler / cold, I drape a big long scarf around neck, try to hide camera in front. But there is no hiding when taking a picture. The problem is too, being aware that something might happen is not conducive to taking great pictures, but the temptation is too great when faced with a great subject / scene!

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

John_F wrote:

I suppose one could use a walking stick with a knob on one end and use it as club. Also never walk alone.

A monopod with a large ball mount does a fine job, and nobody can fault you for having it.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

SharpShooter wrote:

I don't think there's a lot you CAN do besides jus... (show quote)

Same here. I hear all of the horror stories of pick pockets, purse straps slices, etc. I’ve never even observed one of these events—and I’m fairly observant.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

LoneRangeFinder wrote:

Same here. I hear all of the horror stories of pick pockets, purse straps slices, etc. I’ve never even observed one of these events—and I’m fairly observant.

Quite often Americans are concerned about other countries, and think they're safe in the US. The embarcadero in San Francisco is one of the most violent and dangerous places in the world.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

BHC wrote:

Quite often Americans are concerned about other countries, and think they're safe in the US. The embarcadero in San Francisco is one of the most violent and dangerous places in the world.

That’s a valid point.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

BHC wrote:

Quite often Americans are concerned about other countries, and think they're safe in the US. The embarcadero in San Francisco is one of the most violent and dangerous places in the world.

To get really violent, I think you have to cross the Bay Bridge! LoL
I’ve always been much more weary in the US than abroad.
In both I take precautions.
But let’s face it, profiling a victim is I’m sure a great aid to a criminal.
You don’t try to break into Fort Knox, nor do you steal from a guy you think will chase you down and beat the crap out of you!
We’ve all seen the Russian videos where a guy is surrounded by a team and while 3 of them mob him, one undoes the release and takes his 70-200L lens. Anybody can fall victom but they wouldn’t try that on a young athletic looking wrestler.
Unfortunately we are all old but body language can be read a mile away and that’s how victims are chosen.
We also know from past posts that at least HALF of the Hogs Here say they are carrying a gun and ready to use it, at least in this country!!!
Yes, a cut-proof strap might solve some problems but introduce others.
I don’t think there are good solutions other than being cautious and alert because I doubt anybody is staying home!!!
SS

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Dynamics5 wrote:

My husband and I were walking around in Valparaiso, Chile. I was carrying a camera, very visible. We walked by another tourist also with a camera. Shortly after passing him we heard him scream, saw 2 guys wrestle him to the ground to grab his camera. Luckily someone was walking a dog and chased the men away, but the incident could have ended very badly. Wonder about precautions to take when using camera where tourists are often targeted for crime besides resorting to smartphone?

Usually being in groups of four or more helps prevent such events (please note the word is "helps"). The larger the group, the thieves perceive more possible unknown control problems due to the larger numbers to be controled. This is also were a smaller 4/3rds camera that easily fits inside your zipped jacket draws a lot less attention.

jcboy3

Crime can strike whether you are taking pictures or just walking about, with or without camera. Cameras can be targets, but in my experience pickpockets are more of a problem. Especially the pigeon poop exploits (where someone surreptitiously squirts mud or mustard on you, and then their partners see it and offer to help clean you off...while actually trying to clean you ouat).

Make sure you have good insurance. Be sure to backup your photos regularly. You can always replace the gear, but the pictures are harder to replace.

A friend was on a bus tour in Guatemala; they were stopped by armed guerillas and had everything stolen. And they lost all their pictures as well.

Dynamics5

Yes, it may be a safer to keep discs with pictures in hotel, not carry them with you.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

SS, when was the last time you saw a live tourist on the east side of the Bay Bridge?

One more thing... If criminals are profiling victims, what does a guy with a nice camera, a purposeful walk, a mean expression and a metal club over his shoulder say to them? Attitude can change a profile!