jhigbie Loc: Ventura, CA

I once bought a small "sale" case for a couple of bucks at Samy's Camera to hold a long lense for my Nikon D7100 at a time when I was carrying everything in a backpack. I mentioned that the case had "Canon" imprinted on it, and the sales person said: "At least it won't get stolen". Maybe that's your solution.

tomad Loc: North Carolina

I think these incidents are more common than you think in tourist areas abroad, especially in large cities in Europe. I've never been to South America but I've been to Europe several times and have experienced an attempted mugging (Amsterdam), attempted robbery (Rome), actual robbery (Paris), and robbery of a friend I was with (Amsterdam). All you can do is be aware of your surroundings, do crime research before you go (i.e., gypsy children in Rome), buy travel insurance that covers your valuables and hope for good luck.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

When I was young and foolish {now I'm 70 and not quite so foolish}, when I was going to be in a "questionable" neighborhood {I've been taking pictures of railroads for over 50 years now, and they tend not to build their facilities in nice neighborhoods} I carried my camera in a brown grocery store bag to disguise the fact it was worth something.

JaiGieEse Loc: Foxworth, MS

I use an Optec Double Sling. It keeps the camera at my side, under my hand. Not gonna touch it w/o my knowing. Also far less obvious than a standard strap. And VERY difficult to get at by strap cutting.

And given the ever-mounting idiocy being foisted upon us all in the name of politics, I will shortly have a sidearm, with c-carry permit.

As to overseas, it would depend on where you go. Wifey and I have taken two cruises since we married. We visited Progresso, in Mexico, and took a shore excursion to Chichen Itza. Felt very safe in the ruins area. But on the way there and back, we passed through some very picturesque villages, and I really wanted to stop and photograph a buncha stuff, but I had to wonder, at the time, whether it would've been safe to do so.

Been to Cozumel twice. took a shore excursion the first time and spent the second trip wandering around in the port area, visiting shops and vendors. Also visited Mahogany Bay, on Isla Roatan, and did a stop at Belize to visit some Mayan ruins and took a small-craft cruise on the River Wallace. Got lotsa nice pix on all these trips and never felt threatened. But then, we always stayed in areas designated by Carnival Cruise Lines. I would think that areas wherein they depend heavily upon income from tourists and cruise passengers, they'd be careful to discourage crime.

SAVH Loc: La Jolla, CA

One precaution I have taken is to remove the Nikon strap - especially the ones that announce what camera it is attached to - and have replaced it with a third party strap with stainless steel cable through it which, I hope, will minimize the opportunity for someone to cut the strap and grab the camera. I also always hold on to the camera when walking. One of those straps that essentially mounts your camera on your chest might help as well.

mymike Loc: Tucson, AZ

I bought an insurance rider for all my photo gear. I also bought a 1 inch sensor camera to take on a trip to Europe this year and will leave the rest of my gear at home. I don’t think I will miss my gear or any significant photo ops. I have lots of memory cards filled with past images that have never been printed.

Paul J. Svetlik Loc: Colorado

A pocket sound alarm, pepper spray, stun gunor a tear gas can where it is legal?

traderjohn Loc: New York City

Cell phone. The choice is yours. Take the picture put it in your pocket.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

Great you have insurance for your gear. What about any injury you suffer?

PeterDragon Loc: Harlan, KY - Kona, HI - Phoenix, AZ

There are no former Marines, once a Marine, your a Marine for life.
Semper Fi
Jim

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

There is a lot one can do. There are clothes available that can thwart pickpockets. Carrying a monopod, even if for self-defense works well, too. I've an aluminum Manfrotto monopod. It can be handy if needed for defense. My aluminum Gitzo could be used as a battering ram, but not really good for self-defense. The best is not to advertise the type of equipment you are carrying. That's one of the main reasons I chose the bag in which I carry my equipment. Additionally, it cost less than $40. I've carried it with me for the last 8+ years. Always be aware of your surroundings. If possible, travel with a friend.
--Bob

cables101

International comes with several risks when out walking around shooting photos. I Don't carry a wallet. Cash and a couple of credit cards and a copy of the first page of my passport. I gave up hauling my Canon 6D with the 70-200 and 16-35 with a back pack and got a much smaller camera with a 16-50 lens and a 50-230 and a belt pouch. I feel a lot safer and less conspicuous and as always I try to stay in a busy area.

10MPlayer Loc: California

Like someone else said, common sense measures is about all you do. Limit the potential losses by carrying as little gear as needed. Be aware of your surroundings. In my long distance running years I was constantly amused by how I would startle people as I ran past them on the sidewalks. I would see them hundreds of feet in front of me but they were unaware of me because they never looked over their shoulder to see what was coming up behind them) Stay in the "tourist areas" where security is usually higher. Stay with a friend or friends, strength in numbers.

I sometimes go down to the American River or the Sacramento River here in town to look for wildlife to shoot. There are a lot of homeless characters down there and I worry about being assaulted. I've considered taking a handgun but then I really don't think I'd use it to save my 6 year old camera. Besides I don't want to go the all the hassle of getting a concealed carry permit. It's very doable here, even in blue California, but do I really want to do it? Not so much.

loosecanon Loc: Central Texas

If we go to one place for a few days, leave your gear in the hotel safe until the last day. Meanwhile, plan all your shots. Then take only the gear you need on the last day. Your odds for safety now increase quite a bit. Also keep your gear covered in something except for the shot.

Or instead stay in lovely rural areas.

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

Taping over brand labels can reduce the attractiveness of your gear but I would believe that the pro thieves can tell an expensive SLR from a cheap one anyway. Non-cut straps help but if they want your gear they'll take it anyway. The best defense is to not go alone, nor flaunt your gear around. Low profile should be the theme. I have read of people using diaper bags for their gear. Doing that and only taking out the camera when you want to shoot will help reduce the risk. There is no universal solution except to stay home!