Camera Security: We have had many questions about equipment security from people about to travel overseas. Photo equipment is expensive, and stealing and selling it can be a profitable...

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

We have had many questions about equipment security from people about to travel overseas. Photo equipment is expensive, and stealing and selling it can be a profitable business.

Looking closer to home, an article in the NY Times reports that photographers for the Oakland Tribune have been frequent victims of equipment theft. The lead photographer had five cameas stolen from her while she was out shooting. Imagine that you've had four cameras stolen by thieves on the street, and you are heading out with another new camera. Scary. Her new rule is to spend no more than five minutes in any one area.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/04/business/media/photojournalists-in-oakland-face-epidemic-of-camera-robberies.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1&

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

Down to common sense surely, always know what is going on around you.

I visited Blackpool years ago and took my Pentax 645, took a great sunset, then saw a group of teenagers walking MY way in the car park, only my car there and nothing else.

Picked up pod and camera before they got close and left, I am ALWAYS aware.

I also use these when travelling, padlocked in my boot

http://pacsafe.com/pacsafe-c25l-camera-bag-protector

They can also be put over rucksacks when walking to stop knife cuts when you are in a busy place.

Or these

http://pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=213

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

jerryc41 wrote:

We have had many questions about equipment securit... (show quote)

Interesting.
Common street smarts tells you that if you are focusing on crimes, you are probably in a high crime area, and you are drawing attention to your self in that area with a bevy of cameras around your neck.
That they might get stolen should be expected.

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Oakland is the city Jerry Brown did so much for as Mayor before moving, again, to Governor of the state. Really illustrates a twist on the old saying "you get what you asked (voted) for".

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Sad on so many levels.

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

St3v3M wrote:

Sad on so many levels.

I agree but surely when going to any place you don't know you do your homework.

JBTaylor Loc: In hiding again

So is Oakland our latest metropolitan third world country within our country? I just heard a couple days ago that the Oakland police won't go in some parts of town. I wrote it off as hyperbole but then I read this.

I wonder if this will inspire the reporters to quit spinning stories in favor of the criminals.

roberts41 Loc: Atlanta, GA

When I travel in Europe, I carry all my gear in my Pacsafe camera bag (available on Amazon). I've had a couple of close calls, but because I am paranoid about losing my gear, I have always outsmarted the would-be thief. One thing I hate is to see people carrying their camera. It would be so easy to have someone run past and snatch it. Pacsafe also makes a secure camera neck strap. Oh yes, Pacsafe neck straps have a steel mesh inner core. The camera bags have steel mesh all around as well as in the strap. They also have a nifty combo lock that you can use to lock all the compartments, as well as locking your bag to a table or chair leg when drinking coffee at Starbucks.

TGanner Loc: Haines, Alaska

I might suggest carrying your gear in something that doesn't make it look like camera gear. Cosmetic cases (tons to be found in thrift stores) make excellent camera cases and are not quick to attract the eye of camera thiefs. Travelling around with a camera on my neck, I like using a shoulder strap and it can be easily arranged so that the camera remains hidden under a coat until you are ready to shoot.

braindamage Loc: Appley Bridge, Lancs, U.K.

Just looked online and it says they are only shipping to America at this time? Not UK>

TJ28012 Loc: Belmont, NC

TGanner wrote:

I might suggest carrying your gear in something that doesn't make it look like camera gear. Cosmetic cases (tons to be found in thrift stores) make excellent camera cases and are not quick to attract the eye of camera thiefs. Travelling around with a camera on my neck, I like using a shoulder strap and it can be easily arranged so that the camera remains hidden under a coat until you are ready to shoot.

Years ago, when working in and around the NYC/NJ area, we carried our stuff in diaper bags with rattles attached. You could also leave you bag of stuff on the back seat of your unoccupied, un-air conditioned car with the windows open as no one stole diaper bags back then. Now might be different. :-D

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

Part of the battle is to remove the temptation for sure. Those that carry thousands of $$$$ in a Pelican case, Tenba or worse yet,,,something that says Nikon or Canon out in the open is inviting temptation. I do agree with JR1 though, you must be aware of your surroundings and do your homework.

I love the diaper bag,,,,great idea.

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

skidooman wrote:

Part of the battle is to remove the temptation for sure. Those that carry thousands of $$$$ in a Pelican case, Tenba or worse yet,,,something that says Nikon or Canon out in the open is inviting temptation. I do agree with JR1 though, you must be aware of your surroundings and do your homework.

I love the diaper bag,,,,great idea.

If I were a thief and I saw a 60ish year old man with a diaper bag who looked like a tourist, that diaper bag would be a prime target -- I'd take it just to see what he was trying to hide.
Maybe I better keep my day job...

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

Festina Lente wrote:

quote=skidooman Part of the battle is to remove t... (show quote)

It is possible that a 60ish year old man carrying a diaper bag may cause some suspicion,,,,but the idea is still creative :)

TGanner Loc: Haines, Alaska

Hate to say it, but a 60-ish young man with a diaper bag is not necessarily suspicious. There but for the grace of God, and a good surgeon, .....