JimBart Loc: Western Michigan

One thing I learned in all my European travels is this: stay away from American touristor luggage and tags. Their logo usually is in red, white, and blue colors. Automatically identifying you as an American and being rich. Easy identification for thieves and pickpockets
Don’t stop on the streets for performances as there usually are pickpockets working the crowd. Another thing is gypsies.. a woman will stop and engage in conversation while the kids (2-3) will rob you blind. Saw a kid pull a wallet out of the front pocket and even take a gold necklace off a woman and a watch off the man. Very slick.
Also watch the subways and anyone near you.
As far as your camera…Take a small simple camera with a good wide angle and telephoto. Leave the big gun at home. Your purpose is a vacation and not a photoshoot. Remember that and enjoy yourself

Schoee Loc: Europe

Not all thieves have testicles

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

Never hang your camera or bag on one shoulder. Round your neck or cross shoulder.
Ideally camera with pancake style lens round neck beneath anorak or golf jacket. Then it's ready for action.
I have always thought that the lugs for attaching a strap to a camera should be attached to the base plate, so that the camera points straight down when a long lens is attached, making it easier to hide and less likely to get damaged.

shirleycwalker

I've been to Paris multiple times and I always take the following precautions since I'm usually walking around alone:

I don't walk around with my camera with a branded strap hanging around my neck,
I put my ids/ $$$ in a secure pocket,
I take a plastic or canvas type grocery (looking) bag for my camera and maybe an extra battery (never a camera bag), and
I don't review my pictures on my camera on the metro or for a prolonged time in public.

I've been lucky enough to capture 1000's of photos of that beautiful city! The only month I've ever felt uncomfortable there is August-Pre-covid, most of the Parisians go on vacation elsewhere (that was one reason for the metal shutters everywhere, I'm told) and there were a few groups of younger men that I felt uncomfortable around.

Good luck on your trip, it's a photographer's dream out there!

J2e Loc: Canandaigua, NY

My son has lived in Europe for 17 years, the last 8 in Paris. We have been to Paris quite a few times. By all means take your camera and keep your wits about you. People are likely to approach you and and distract you. They operate in groups and often attempt to have you sign a petition. Just say NO firmly. I use a sling type camera bag and that has served me well. I often carry a monopod. A tripod is not permitted or useful in most places. By all means walk the Champs-Elysees, and visit the Arc de Triomphe. An on-and-off boat cruise on the Seine is enjoyable. For art I recommend the Musee d’Orsay, Musee de l’orangerie, Musee du Louvre, and Musee de cluny. By the way, I am a few years older than you. Bon voyage.

MarkrKnight Loc: Los Angles

Thank you so much for your input. My trip itinerary sounds very similar to yours

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Most likely as a "see what I have" camera.
If theft is a worry then get one of those little Sonys.
https://www.amazon.com/Sony-DSCW800-Digital-Camera-Silver/dp/B00I8BIC9E/ref=pd_sbs_2/144-7212248-5398307?pd_rd_w=MJ8xj&pf_rd_p=f8e24c42-8be0-4374-84aa-bb08fd897453&pf_rd_r=476X64N0YMJATEF7QXEW&pd_rd_r=92a72ec5-f6c9-4637-896b-8d87b5b42ca3&pd_rd_wg=adbjx&pd_rd_i=B00I8BIC9E&psc=1
Prefect camera for Paris.

MarkrKnight Loc: Los Angles

Thanks Inspirational and informative. I really appreciate it

IDguy Loc: Idaho

I’ve seen videos where they steal the lens off the camera. Strap won’t help that.

bylinecl

As a former wire-service correspondent, I've carried Leica cameras almost exclusively for over 40 years, through Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and the Pacific, and often under the worst of conditions such as warfare or famine where assault and theft were always a consideration. But, really, it isn't the brand that will mark you as an opportunity. For a thief, it's ANY camera attached to ANY unobservant or preoccupied tourist who's available. Often they work in a team of two, one to bump or somehow attract your attention, while the other grabs or slashes your camera's strap.
•You can stick black masking tape over your Leica's red dot and white lettering if that makes you feel better.
•Pack Safe makes steel-cable core camera strap that's slash-safe but it's bulkier than the thin and simple stock Leica strap that easily wraps around your wrist.
What will serve you faithfully under all circumstances and in all locations?
• Simple "Situational Awareness."
•Developing and maintaining a constant level of consciousness is your best defense.
•Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

/cl

MarkrKnight Loc: Los Angles

Wow! I can tell by your writing that you did work in the Wire service. Everything you said makes perfect sense. Situation awareness, is so important no matter where are you are. Even in your hometown driving down the road. Thank you thank you thank you

mffox Loc: Avon, CT

At our age (I'm 84) the risk of injury resulting from fighting off a pickpocket or snatch-grab is far more serious than loss of a Leica. Mine is insured.
Mark

Miamark Loc: Florida

These are all good thoughts. When I worked for the G and in private settings, I always took great “situational awareness”. In my younger days a well placed fist (as in an incident in Mali when someone tried to grab my camera) might be appropriate but not recommended.

Photocraig

I think all of the advice here is sound. The BASICS of street safety is street and situation awareness.

Keep the sling bag across your chest. Keep valuables in a money belt or pouch UNDER your clothing. With the little Leica first, tape over the red dot. Second, wear a light over shirt/jacket and have the camera under it.

Your health and lives are hore important than any camera. Certainly don't put yourself into a situation that is crowded, and be careful to not draw attention to yourself.

You lived in Paris. You know where to go, and where Never to go--already. Wear clothes that blend into Paris style. For example, NEVER wear white shoes!!! (It's an ugly look everywhere but screams Ugly American to many Euro types). Same for the US themed shirts and hats.

Like everything else--after you're done using it, camera, phone or wallet--PUT IT AWAY. NEVER walk near the curb. A friend's mother was killed in London by a Purse snatcher on a motor bike. Since you like street photography, then you're used to looking around at everything to capture a composition or subject. That means 360 degrees. Add suspicious--and broaden your definition-- characters. Do not ignore teenagers or women. You lead teh dance. Keep moving, stay visible toe everyone and keep you stuff covered and put away.

I love Paris, I'm jealous. Enjoy the trip and the wonderful people and cuisine.
C

Wrapping straps tightly has its plusses and minuses. BUT, old as it is, I like my arm more than I like my camera, etc. But leaving it out in plain sight, and free to grab is creating an attractive nuisance, in other words, tempting fate in a place where there are some very accomplished pick pockets, grab artists and distraction specialists.

texaseve Loc: TX, NC and NH

I would worry with the past year of COVID and people desperate for money. Crime is waaay up in this country for that reason and a few others of course.
When I wore a cross body bag in Italy, and/or could be your small camera, I put a light jacket over it in the evening to hide it. Certainly would insure the camera.