snapshot18

Longshadow-

That's always a consideration.

James Slick Loc: Pittsburgh,PA

I have no interest in selling my gear (I'm the "run it until the wheels fall off" type) So I don't worry about killing off any resale value - I will engrave away!

James Slick Loc: Pittsburgh,PA

Yep, That's what's engraved on my gear!

Mr Bill 2011 Loc: southern Indiana

[quote=Photocraig]These are great ideas. However they apply to the unlikely case that you catch a thief red handed. When my gear was stolen the police gave me an email address to forward the inventory and the s/n's etc. It was the same info that insurance required. But I will load the info in to my phone or get Fro's Gear Vault. Good idea.


in addition to keeping records of my equipment elsewhere, in the event the bad guy is caught on the spot, he would have a hard time explaining why my name and phone number are printed on the battery and SD card in the camera.

Mr Bill 2011 Loc: southern Indiana

If you catch him at that point, he would have a hard time explaining why my name and phone number are printed on both the battery and the SD card. would also ask him to explain how to use the camera, since I often use BBF and other customized settings.

cucharared Loc: Texas, Colorado

Freeking cool! I didn’t know all that was in the meta data - for each pic?

You never get to danged old to get surprised with this kind of new info.

Come on, keep it coming...

Ron

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

I have lists of serial numbers and descriptions for firearms, camera equipment and a few expensive fishing rods that have serial numbers. I do not carry the lists with me but in the scenario described I would insist the police be called. Let the police hold the camera until I can produce proof of ownership.

Dennis

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

I am slightly amused and quite frustrated by the occasional person who adamantly states that he/she watches his/her gear so closely that nobody can steal it. Some of the youth gangs in many cities (including in the USA) are lead by adults and are better organized that the Mafia. Each member has a job: beggar, cryer, disteactor, cutter, grabber, hand-off, etc. Holding your camera in your hand? There is a nerve that when pressed will cause your hand to open at the same time a straight razor in cutting your camera strap. A lot of pros know how to cradle their cameras for maximum, but a sharp rap on the Achilles heel or back of the knees will distract anyone. When police investigate crimes such as theft of expensive camera gear, they don't look for the thief; they try to intercept the equipment at known fences. If and when they do, you had better have some way other than the information on the card (first thing to go) to identify your equipment. A spreadsheet, a list on your phone, MyGearVault - anything will work. BUT, one of the most telling pieces of information is photos of your equipment showing unique features, a dent, unique brassing, even an accidental (or deliberate) scratch on the bottom of the camera can help distinguish it from a hundred similar such devices, e.g., the fading paint on one tiny part of one of my cameras makes it different from a thousand similar products.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

I am "old school" when it comes to security issues. Firstly, I take every precaution to avoid theft and burglary. At my studio there are good locks, secured windows and an alarm system. Easily transported equipment is kept in locked gun cabinets. Cameras, lenses and accessories are not kept in public areas or the office. I do a good deal of location work so my car is equipped with an alarm, the windows where gear may be stowed are tinted and there is no advertising signage on the vehicle. I try never to leave gear in the car and unattended. At events, equipment is never left unattended. It's not "paranoia" just routine safety habits and little things like keeping straps on camera bags and around my leg when stopping at a restaurant etc. My equipment cases are low-profile- nothing fancy- they look beaten up- very unattractive!

My insurance company requires detailed lists, "hard copy" of any and all gear covered by my policies. Each item is is specified as to make, model, serial number and replacement value- the list is updated regularly. A copy is kept on file at the office and copies are stored at home and at a safety deposit box at the bank. Major equipment is photographed and stored with the lists. Since my policies cover "all perils" such a fire, accidental breakage, water damage and theft, obviously the lists need to be copied and protected in the event of fire or other destructive damage.

Preventing loss due to criminal activities is bad enough, however, most folks may not realize that photographers need some "protection" against insurance companies' loop holes, and efforts to mitigate values. Make cretin that your insurance covers replacement values and be aware that cretin policies do not cover damage due to water seepage- read the fine print! True enough, experienced burgers can get passed locks, vaults and some alarm systems. The idea is to make it difficult for them so they need to create some serious damage to break in. Insurance companies will not cover losses due to "mysterious disappearance". If you home, car or studio is burglarized, make cretin to secure an immediate police report. I do have an alarm system that alerts a central office that calls the police. The police advise, however, that the best protection is an extremely loud audible alarm that wakes up the entire neighborhood and drives the thief out of the building- mine sounds like a diving signal aboard a submarine! Most thieves will not linger if it difficult for them to get in or there is something that will attract attention.

I seldom sell or trade in major gear- I use it 'till it disintegrates so I do engrave most of my stuff, especially the equipment I travel with.

In over 50 years of professional photography I only made one insurance claim. I did "catch" two "bad guys "in the act" on separate occasions- both met with unfortunate circumstances.

Of course it wise to identify your gear in the event of theft or loss but its best to prevent such occurrences.

Street gangs with sharp knives!? I'm too old for that! I stay out of dodgy areas. I was raised in a rough part of New York City back in the 50s. Had enough of that- thank you very much !

ChuckTin Loc: Ocala Florida

Frankly you all are full of it right up to there. And I'm speaking from unfortunate experience.

The police will do nothing. Get over it. Why? Well 'cause if it ain't a MAJOR crime they aren't interested. This goes especially if you're away from home or a tourist.

Best practice? Etch your name in an obvious place, record serial numbers, get an insurance rider and be prepared for insurance companies to low-ball you.

Bitter experience.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings and of course I cannot vouch for your experience with the police. But as a former LEO I guarantee the county S. O. I worked for did all it could to find stolen items and return them to the rightful owners. Of course if you had nothing to use for an identifier but, a new Canon camera there wasn’t much info to know who the rightful owner was.

That doesn’t mean everything stolen was recovered and returned but the officers and detectives did their best.

Your attitude seems to reflect the police in your situation did absolutely nothing. I find that hard to believe.

Dennis

Fotojunkie66 Loc: eau claire WI.

engrave your driver"s license #on it

Tomcat5133 Loc: Gladwyne PA

It seems overkill to taking a log of all your gear. The big question is what gear that you own do you have that day in 1 or 2 bags.
That's why I take a iPhone shot with the bag open or stuff that I am packing. I think that a call phone shot of the camera and the serial number is well enough.
I think simple mistakes we make like leaving something in a room while we take some of a buffet. Or talk to some people you wanted to meet etc.
I tend to take my camera everywhere even the john in a hotel restuarant. That is why the light gear like Sony mirrorless or one do it all camera
Like the RX10 III bridge camera which can do anything well is a great help. The a6300 with my 16 70 zeiss is a great in my very light Lowepro briefcase.
Always of the RX100 IV with me. Lugging gear just makes it harder. I have a very light Lowepro sling and that can go on your arm all day. With the bridge camera good for sports or 2 cameras. Yes this about not forgetting the camera yourself. Much more likely then stolen.

snapshot18

E.L.. Shapiro:

Very informative; I would say that pretty much covers the majority of situations. For those 'Non-Professionals' that don't want to 'deface' an expensive piece of equipment (For example, Pros aren't the only ones who buy Hasselblad stuff) there are locations INSIDE cameras and flash units where your ID info can be affixed . . . just don't give any indication as to critical locations of yourself or family!

snapshot18

ChuckTin:

Unfortunately that is too often true . . . but not always. RULE: Cover what you can, but be prepared for the unexpected situation where even the best brain cannot cope. It happens!