How safe do you feel with your Camera?

[Fizzbang]

I just wondered how you guys deal with or felt about people grabbing your cameras around Cities etc...what precautions do you take and how bad has it been out there for you?

[timnosenzo]

I don't worry about it too much, I just stay aware of my surroundings. If someone wants it bad enough, they can have it, its insured and not worth losing my life over. :)

[Nick Pro]

I normally carry a swiss army knife with me. Im 15 and 6'1", but lanky so...... Im not normal worried though. Like Tim said, Id rather live and have them try to focus with the shutter. (I use * focusing)

[Croasdail]

It's just a camera. I don't give it a second thought.

[Boucher]

I feel safe. Although Canberra is a pretty safe city. I would however be prepared to fight for my camera. Not wasting all that hard work and letting it go without a fight.

I love it when friends grab my camera and can't focus.. its hilarious.

boucher.

[JCheungPhoto]

I normally carry a swiss army knife with me. Im 15 and 6'1", but lanky so...... Im not normal worried though. Like Tim said, Id rather live and have them try to focus with the shutter. (I use * focusing)

nice

[tonylong]

I just wondered how you guys deal with or felt about people grabbing your cameras around Cities etc...what precautions do you take and how bad has it been out there for you?

I don't like it when people grab my camera:)!

In all seriousness, if I'm doing street photography, I do keep my gear staps in use, and I would not likely wander into dark alleys. In certain conditions, such as nightime inner-city shootings, I would want a buddy with me. But for daytime shooting I just try to use common sense. If you're really concerned, a monopod could be a good deterrent!

[yogestee]

I just wondered how you guys deal with or felt about people grabbing your cameras around Cities etc...what precautions do you take and how bad has it been out there for you?

Fizz,,,I wander around regulary in Vientiane with my camera over my shoulder..I have never felt anxious or concerned..Even in the remote towns and villages never a problem..

Precautions,,,my camera is always in sight with the strap either over my shoulder or wrapped around my wrist..

Jurgen
Laos

[DanteCaspian]

I like the monopod idea.
I don't get to concerned, though at times have thought, "I best get the shots and move on".
While I have a switch at my side as a deterrent, I am not sure I would use it for the sake of protecting property, rather for self defense.
Be cautious, but don't be distracted is something you might need to remind yourself of from time to time.

[neilwood32]

I always feel safe with mine - but i do tend to use some sensible precautions like wrapping my strap rounmd my wrist and staying in well populated areas if im in cities.

[GyRob]

I dont feel to safe and If i had my way i would gut anyone who tried to take my gear and feed them to the seagulls be it a 500f4 or a 50f1.8 come to think of it even a scratched 58mm skylight filter .
They just better not try it when im in a bad mood .
Rob.

[Paul Tinworth]

I have the same concern, so my general rule-of-thumb is to only shoot in daylight in populated areas if I'm on my own or to stay with a group of friends. After dusk, my stuff stays firmly in my [already too conspicuous] bag. +1 on what people have already said about straps and such.

Insurance is pretty handy, too. ;)

[Broadway53]

This is a timely subject for me since I'm taking the wife to New York City for our anniversary later this month. She's agreed to take the Grey Line Bus Tour so that I can snap a bunch of shots but I was worried about the possibility of getting mugged, snatch and run, etc, while on the streets. I've decided to take my old backup camera (Canon S3) rather than risk losing my gear. Sad isn't it?

[TeeTee]

To all the people carrying knives, I hope you know how to use them. I'm versed in the areas of law, law enforcement, private security, and that sort. A 4 inch blade in unfamiliar hands is more dangerous than empty hands due to the false confidence it may endue.

Now that my morality speech is over... I'm more worried about pickpockets than outright thugs. I'm a 22 year old dark skinned male, generally people are wary of me and not the other way around ;) I use quick release carabiners (Grimlocks) on the zippers of my camera bags to deter thieves, and keep ahold of my camera at all times - this is more because it weighs a ton but also noticed it deters thieves.

I just spent an entire week in Rome, and never once got the 'pickpocket vibe' that I've read much about. I'm sure it's a reality, but keeping your wits and making yourself a troublesome target will keep you safe in touristic areas.

As for at home, don't get too comfortable is all. I live in Stab Central, AKA London UK. Things like slash proof gloves & clothing could be beneficial (PM me for details). The only potential weapon I carry is a 6" torch with a beveled end, and even then I'd be hard pressed to use it offensively rather than defensively.

The mental aspect however is a major part of the survival ethic. A good instinct for trouble is just as good as all the physical prep in the world.

Oh, and get insurance... even if they are the biggest thieves around.

This is a timely subject for me since I'm taking the wife to New York City for our anniversary later this month. She's agreed to take the Grey Line Bus Tour so that I can snap a bunch of shots but I was worried about the possibility of getting mugged, snatch and run, etc, while on the streets. I've decided to take my old backup camera (Canon S3) rather than risk losing my gear. Sad isn't it?

Very sad.

The terrorists... err thieves have won!

[cosworth]

This is a timely subject for me since I'm taking the wife to New York City for our anniversary later this month. She's agreed to take the Grey Line Bus Tour so that I can snap a bunch of shots but I was worried about the possibility of getting mugged, snatch and run, etc, while on the streets. I've decided to take my old backup camera (Canon S3) rather than risk losing my gear. Sad isn't it?


Have you ever been to NYC? I don't think it's what you expect. You can't possibly imagine how moany peopell are walking around with cameras there. I've walked the Brooklyn subway and streets late at night with full gear and felt safe as I would outside my house.

I think the only place I wouldn't feel safe is urban Iraq or Afghanistan.

[elysium]

if im shooting around the city, I tend to go out with a friend or a group of friends. Same with nightclub photography knowin that I have people around makes me feel kind of safe.

If im working by myself at a shoot, it is usually in a closed set location or busy enough to make escape difficult. For travel, my gear is usually on the passenger seat and the door it locked with a strap hooked into the parking brake so even if someone breaks in, its a difficult job "running" off.

[pointerDixie214]

I never give it a second thought.

If someone wants my stuff bad enough, they can have it.

I do, however, leave lenses (and cameras) that I won't be using at home in case I do have to fork over my bag. I have heard of too many people get hurt trying to protect stupid possessions. I know one thing, and this is my rule with my guns in my house, if you pull a weapon, you had better 1. know how to use it, and 2. be willing to use it, because once you pull a weapon, the game has changed and it puts the attacker in survival mode, which they may not make the smartest decisions.

[Wazza]

I'm often out in London, or around Kent, and never give it a second thought. Some of my friends think I'm too trusting

[mlav]

When I went to China and on the public transit bus to Detroit, I took the G9 to keep somewhat hidden. But with the new insurance policy I am starting, if someone wants to jack my camera, they must give me the memory card first. Then they can have it!

[Mama Tried]

I feel safe. An HK P2000Sk in .357 Sig takes care of that along with a S&W HRT Boot Knife.

[cosworth]

When I went to China and on the public transit bus to Detroit, I took the G9 to keep somewhat hidden. But with the new insurance policy I am starting, if someone wants to jack my camera, they must give me the memory card first. Then they can have it!


Exactly my thinking.

[nadtz]

Heh, I have yet to find the major (not in a state of war) city I've been worried in. Teaneck NJ and Red Hook Brooklyn (part of NYC obviously) have probably been a couple of the worst places (I haven't really hit the South Side of Chicago proper, and I've spent most of my life in NYC) but perhaps it helps to be a tall black guy. Sad social commentary or not, urban camouflage isn't a bad thing.

Come to think of it, the powers that be have given me WAY more trouble than the unruly masses, to the point of my being arrested by CPD on a train station for taking photos which was (quite verbosely by the judge) thrown out of court. I honestly do pay more attention to security guys, police and CTA workers (here in chicago) than I do everyone else... Unless someone is obviously being way shady of course...

[nadtz]

I feel safe. An HK P2000Sk in .357 Sig takes care of that along with a S&W HRT Boot Knife.

Not everyone is so lucky to have a concealed carry license you know! (or even a carry license for that matter).

[JC4]

But with the new insurance policy I am starting, if someone wants to jack my camera, they must give me the memory card first. Then they can have it!

I'm the opposite. I hate how society has accepted common crooks. "Let my insurance cover it." The police don't have time to solve petty crimes, so they go unpunished. The only recourse I see is to defend my rights. Given the opportunity, I'd kill someone trying to steel my stuff. They'd have to threaten my life to get it in the first place. Anyone threatening my life, or my family's life, deserves to die, period.

To the original question. I've never felt like me or my gear is being threatened. But, I'm very rarely in 'unsafe' places.

[wernersl]

the 1d and 28-70L is a weapon in itself. no need to carry a knife with that bad boy strapped to my wrist! everything else is in my backpack (dakine mission). looks nothing like a typical gear bag. plus...im about 6ft and weigh in around 250, so they better be armed if they want my rig.

for those worried about losing the images they shot before getting jacked...you could always try to negotiate with the kind theif and ask that they give you back the memory card before they gallop off into the sunset!

[Shadiow]

It's just a camera. I don't give it a second thought.

Yeah me too. I'm the same way, if someone wants to try and jack my camera... I'd be like, you are trying to steal a camera... you're an even bigger dork than me and then walk away. No one is going to try and jack my camera. That might be naive, but at 6'0" 230, I just don't think there are too many people that are will to steal anything from me.

[TheHoff]

Just getting on the internet makes me over 6'3".

[elitejp]

I'm the opposite. I hate how society has accepted common crooks. "Let my insurance cover it." The police don't have time to solve petty crimes, so they go unpunished. The only recourse I see is to defend my rights. Given the opportunity, I'd kill someone trying to steel my stuff. They'd have to threaten my life to get it in the first place. Anyone threatening my life, or my family's life, deserves to die, period.

To the original question. I've never felt like me or my gear is being threatened. But, I'm very rarely in 'unsafe' places.

Protecting family is one thing but a material possesion is totally different. Howevery much I hate thievery i would still prefer to se them live another day.
Living in china theres tons of pick pockets, but like others have mentioned about having a size advantage, I really have nothing to worry about. Im nearly twice there size and most people know me from the gym.
I grabbed a thief one day who i noticed pick pocketing a girls wallet. i walked up to the thief and made him give the money back. :lol::lol::lol:

[stewartlittle]

I'm 5' 1'',140 lbs. and way out of shape.Because of that I have a big disadvantage.I would'nt want to kill someone over my camera,if they had a gun you bet I'ld let'em take it.If tried to get it off my hand,they might would yank my arm off because I normally wrap the strap 3x around my wrist.

I'm cautious about the surroundings but if I have to panick about it I dont have no business going there.

[nicksan]

I use common sense precautions, which comes naturally being that I have lived in NYC for over 30 years.

Also, my gear is insured so it wouldn't be the end of the world should someone steal it.

[wernersl]

Just getting on the internet makes me over 6'3".
sweet

[flipstyle72]

I'm 240lbs, muscular and ugly looking...most people just walk away. lol... seriously though, I've never thought about it. Maybe if i put it in my bag and left it laying somewhere while in public...but that's not gonna happen. If i have my camera, it's in my hand. If it's in the bag, then it's either riding shotgun with me in the truck or in my house.

[nicksan]

The only thing we have in common is that I'm just ugly looking...sure wish you were there when I got robbed a couple of months ago!:lol:

I'm 240lbs, muscular and ugly looking...most people just walk away. lol... seriously though, I've never thought about it. Maybe if i put it in my bag and left it laying somewhere while in public...but that's not gonna happen. If i have my camera, it's in my hand. If it's in the bag, then it's either riding shotgun with me in the truck or in my house.

[stathunter]

I try to wear one of those spy earpieces and talk into my wrist so I look important----then I handcuff the camera to my wrist......and pretend to catch things out of the air........no one messes with me.

[TheHoff]

In all seriousness, I have this bag alarm:

http://www.streetdefender.com/MC-223-S.htm

One side clips to your belt loop and the other side has an alarm that is secured to your bag. If the bag is separated from you, the alarm goes off at 120 db, still attached to the bag. Not exactly a theft deterrent but I'd bet the first instinct of a street thief is to drop something that is screaming 120 decibels as they run.

[Andrushka]

hmm... just don't stand around in one place for too long. I've traveled a bit and i have never had any trouble in N. America, Europe or East Africa with my gear. It never hurts to have someone, anyone (wife, girlfriend, ninja) with you to watch your back while you frame that killer shot :-)
I have my own ex-Spetznas that walk a little bit behind me....... just kidding! ;-)

No really, here in Ukraine for instance the guys you gotta watch out for are random guys drinking beer, leaning against a wall on the side of the road. Though curious, they wouldn't actully want to jack your gear, but often they want to "talk" with you about geopolitics, NATO, the glory of the Soviet Union or something pointless like that just cause you are an American or from Western Europe, not cause you have a Canon DSLR rig... things could get ugly if you stand around too long, but not cause you got a couple $k worth of camera gear around your neck...

[scotteisenphotography]

I don't feel safe in any city after getting attacked twice in two days. Watch you back even though that might not help you. I was in my case and i still hve a concussion.

[Zansho]

I've never had anyone make an attempt at taking any of my camera gear. I'm insured though, but someone will have to work hard to take my hard earned gear away from me.

In addition to being a photographer, I'm also a black belt in aikido. I can take care of myself if needed be.

[TheHoff]

sweet

I forgot about the supreme martial arts prowess I also draw from the internet.

[cosworth]

I forgot about the supreme martial arts prowess I also draw from the internet.

Gujustud has you beat:

http://www.jasonhollister.com/images/stud.jpg

[dashboard-day]

i've done work in NYC and some other big US cities. I'm 18, 6'1, i go to the gym 5 times a week and i'm 180lb with three facial piercings, stretched ear lobe piercings, and several tattoos. most people don't want to mess with me. i've had some homeless people try to steal my camera downtown and it normally ends with them just giving up because i don't like go of the camera and they can't move me, lol. one guy tried to pull out my nose piercing (septum peircing to be more precise) because I wouldn't hand him my camera and he ended up falling on to a pile of snow... i sort of felt bad, but he was drunk and smelled minty fresh *thinking mouthwash* so I'm sure he didn't even feel the cold. but yeah, it's all about where you're shooting and who. and i guess how scary you look :P.

[cosworth]

5'11, 235 and I look like a cop. Bring it. ;)

[TheHoff]

5'11, 235 and I look like a cop. Bring it. ;)

Hahah we should have some sort of RCMP / VPD vests when we hit the east side.

[dashboard-day]

so the key is to be big and scary. lol.

[airfrogusmc]

My last year in college I did a documentary on Maxwell Street here in Chicago mid 1980s. Very rough area and I never really felt threatened. Always had two F-1s and 85 1.2 aspherical on one and a 35 2 on the other and a 24 1.4 in my pocket. I think allot of it is how you carry yourself. If you act timid and like your not suppose to be there you could have some problems. I always act like I'm at home and treat folks with respect. Now this is not to say I didn't encounter some aggression but I never really felt like I was in danger. 4 years in the Corps though so when I was young it took a bit to make me feel uneasy.

[TeeTee]

*snip*

hmm... just don't stand around in one place for too long.

*snip*

Very useful bit of information. A moving target is always more difficult than a stationary one.

The rest of this post was very useful as well.

[Zansho]

In all seriousness, I have this bag alarm:

http://www.streetdefender.com/MC-223-S.htm

One side clips to your belt loop and the other side has an alarm that is secured to your bag. If the bag is separated from you, the alarm goes off at 120 db, still attached to the bag. Not exactly a theft deterrent but I'd bet the first instinct of a street thief is to drop something that is screaming 120 decibels as they run.


What if the thief is deaf?

[flipstyle72]

I try to wear one of those spy earpieces and talk into my wrist so I look important----then I handcuff the camera to my wrist......and pretend to catch things out of the air........no one messes with me.

hahaha... :lol:

[TheHoff]

What if the thief is deaf?

I'm already prepared for that. I know the sign language equivalent for "I don't have any money to give you"

http://ul.before-reality.net/empty_pockets.jpg

[Photo_Rebel]

so the key is to be big and scary. lol.

LOL -indeed! :lol:

[Marnault]

I live in Calgary, AB, and I feel very safe with my camera pretty much all the time. As long as you don't go down some ally late at night or something stupid like that you most likely wont have any problems. I find as long as you don't be stupid about where you go, the chances of anything happening are quite low.

[GyRob]

What if the thief is deaf?
LOL :lol:
Rob.

[mlav]

Protecting family is one thing but a material possesion is totally different. Howevery much I hate thievery i would still prefer to se them live another day.


That is so absurd...it won't be long before that thief gets really anxious and ends up hurting and/or killing someone. But if you want to be the recipient...with many crimes related to hard drugs, the user will keep sinking lower and lower.

[bbqKing]

6'1,220.ugly and crazy
If you want it bad enough come get it;)

[rooeey]

I have a mate that lost his camera in Laos...
Two guys on a motorbike sped past and grabbed it off his wife while she had it in her hand not strapped around neck...
They git their insurance no problems...
Hey and it was their honeymoon and knowing them there would probably be some interesting shots if they ever down load them...

[flipstyle72]

... knowing them there would probably be some interesting shots if they ever down load them...

hehhehe...:cry:

[Zansho]

I'm already prepared for that. I know the sign language equivalent for "I don't have any money to give you"

http://ul.before-reality.net/empty_pockets.jpg



lol.... nice. Not exactly ASL, but it works.

[digirebelva]

so the key is to be big and scary. lol.

Interestingly enough it does make a difference..Think of it this way..when you look at someone, you unconsciously decide whether or not that person might pose a threat. A thief is deciding whether or not to risk it after looking you over.

[Tumeg]

I am also, 15 and about 5'10" but I do carry a swiss army knife with me, nothing has happened yet since the farthest I have walked is about 2 miles, and not really in a populated area so no troubles yet :rolleyes:

[zacker]

hold a dog in one hand, cam in the other....works for me!

[Andrushka]

Very useful bit of information. A moving target is always more difficult than a stationary one.

The rest of this post was very useful as well.

thanks! let me know if your headed to Ukraine! :)
by the way, your GB Pounds will go quite a ways here!

[canonloader]

If so many people are willing to give up their gear without a fight, I think I am in the wrong business. Is everyone doing so well they can afford to give up a couple grand with no fight?

Sign of the times I guess, but I grew up knowing that if I wasn't willing to fight for it, I didn't deserve to have it. Anything else is unthinkable.

[Nick Pro]

hold a dog in one hand, cam in the other....works for me!

I dont think my dog would help :lol:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/196/488257702_51758442cd.jpg?v=0

[rooeey]

Can't we put a tracking device in a camera ???
Or maybe a small explosive charge that can be remotely detonated not enough to cause injury just enough to make the sale of this stolen camera redundant...
Or like was said before a big dog...

[T2000]

Broadway53, mugged in Manhattan? You have a better chance of being hit by a cab. A much better chance. Has anyone been mugged in Manhattan since 1975? Seriously, Manhattan is a very safe city. Enjoy yourself. No worries.

[FlyingPhotog]

If so many people are willing to give up their gear without a fight, I think I am in the wrong business. Is everyone doing so well they can afford to give up a couple grand with no fight?

Sign of the times I guess, but I grew up knowing that if I wasn't willing to fight for it, I didn't deserve to have it. Anything else is unthinkable.

Once upon a time, if someone got in your face and you wanted to challenge them physically, you probably only had to worry about getting a fat lip or you risked breaking a hand on their jaw.

Now days? God only knows what even grade school-aged kids may have tucked in a waistband or hidden in a sweatshirt pouch pocket.

I don't consider myself to be inately chicken but I'm not stupid either. Nothing that can be replaced with either insurance or a credit card is worth dying over.

[Glenn NK]

I usually have my camera on my tripod - the bottoms of the tripod have been modified with spikes that are four inches long and very pointy - I just keep them out where people can see them. They are like having three daggers on a spear.

[jfc3po]

I'm a 6'1 215 lb flashy dressing half Korean guy who constantly has a pissed off look on his face......people automatically assume that I'm some kind of Kung Fu Chinese triad member....

if that doesn't work, H&K USP .45 on the hip....

Win / Win Situation...

[Stark]

I dont think my dog would help :lol:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/196/488257702_51758442cd.jpg?v=0

Just spat coffee all over my keyboard and monitor!!! Thanks! ;)

[canonloader]

I don't consider myself to be inately chicken but I'm not stupid either. Nothing that can be replaced with either insurance or a credit card is worth dying over.
If anyone tells you they have never had a chicken moment, they are lying to your face. It's not about being chicken or being king kong. It's about not spending the rest of your life kicking yourself for letting a turd get off with your stuff and you doing nothing about it. A few lumps is worth knowing you at least tried for krissake. And the fact is, if you fight back, even for a few seconds, the thief is going to turn and run anyway, the last thing they want is to be identified. ;)

Every time someone let's a petty thief get away with such a valuable item with no fight whatever, it makes it worse for everyone else.

[digirebelva]

Just spat coffee all over my keyboard and monitor!!! Thanks! ;)

Now that should teach you to drink and read these forums at the same time:lol:

[digirebelva]

Every time someone let's a petty thief get away with such a valuable item with no fight whatever, it makes it worse for everyone else.

If you want my stuff you had better come at me with more than a menacing look..With that bring said, a gun pointed at me would have me handing my stuff over...but other than that....I worked to hard to simply "give it away"

Most dont want a fight....they just want you to give up your stuff quietly so they can get away..:mad:

[wernersl]

6'1,220.ugly and crazy
If you want it bad enough come get it;)
i wish my town was called slaughterville!

[gymell]

If anyone tells you they have never had a chicken moment, they are lying to your face. It's not about being chicken or being king kong. It's about not spending the rest of your life kicking yourself for letting a turd get off with your stuff and you doing nothing about it. A few lumps is worth knowing you at least tried for krissake. And the fact is, if you fight back, even for a few seconds, the thief is going to turn and run anyway, the last thing they want is to be identified. ;)

Every time someone let's a petty thief get away with such a valuable item with no fight whatever, it makes it worse for everyone else.

I don't want my gear stolen any more than the next person. However, it just takes a split second for one to lose one's life over something like that. When you fight back, you have no idea who that person is, what their motivations are or what weapons they have. Would you really trade your life for $15k? How do you know that the person is just a petty thief ? My personal safety is worth much more to me than any camera gear. I take precautionary steps so that hopefully the risk is less likely that someone would steal my stuff, but if confronted out somewhere I'm more than willing to drop it and run. That's what insurance is for.

Of course, it's another story if they enter my house - they'll be on the wrong end of a shotgun in that case. ;)

[wernersl]

you could always spend the monthly insurance premium on a gym membership instead. cheaper in the long-run with far more benefits!

[gymell]

you could always spend the monthly insurance premium on a gym membership instead. cheaper in the long-run with far more benefits!

I work out at the gym 4-5 times a week. ;) That's why I can outrun whoever wants to steal my gear.

[canonloader]

Would you really trade your life for $15k?
I put my life on the line for 3 years in the 60's for far less. I have been shot at, and hit for $79 a month back then. For 40 years, I put my life on the line twice every day I drove to and from work. Most of my working life, I worked man killing jobs and came close a few times myself. Yes, I made my mind up years ago, that nobody is going to take my wallet, my camera, my car, or my showlaces without knowing he's been in a fight. You know me Liz, the older I get, the less there is to lose if it comes to it, but I am not going to just give it away.

[Est1974]

good question. I've only had one problem in nearly 15 years of professional shooting. In Washington Sq park. I had a meth-head approach me and was asking all sorts of questions etc. BUT he was obviously trying to get up the nerve to try a smash and grab. Fortunately I have some obvious markings on my hands when i removed my mittens. That sent him packing rather quickly. I have traveled to some very dodgy places with my gear. Central american slums, Argentina following the peso collapse etc. Thankfully i never had a problem. I think thieves are more likely to go for a 5D over a Mk II or something like that. Larger market for those type of stolen goods

[gymell]

I put my life on the line for 3 years in the 60's for far less. I have been shot at, and hit for $79 a month back then. For 40 years, I put my life on the line twice every day I drove to and from work. Most of my working life, I worked man killing jobs and came close a few times myself. Yes, I made my mind up years ago, that nobody is going to take my wallet, my camera, my car, or my showlaces without knowing he's been in a fight. You know me Liz, the older I get, the less there is to lose if it comes to it, but I am not going to just give it away.

I agree with the sentiment, and of course I'd be pissed if some loser took my stuff. There are just too many headlines about people being killed over stupid stuff. I really wouldn't to be one of those headlines - camera gear is replaceable, I'm not.

[canonloader]

Well, overall, I think the chances are more than a million to one of ever being robbed, especially where we live. :lol:

[gymell]

Well, overall, I think the chances are more than a million to one of ever being robbed, especially where we live. :lol:

Actually you'd be surprised, Minneapolis has a pretty high crime rate. It's not nicknamed "Murderapolis" for nothing!

[SlowBlink]

Situational awareness and a willingness to ruin their day if they try. Most situations I can see the possibility before hand. I make early eye contact and hold it. That usually makes them wonder and keep moving. I've been threatened a few times and I just smile, that usually keeps them moving.

[Gujustud]

I walked around with my Fiancee and my 20D/grip with 17-40 (no bag) in the streets of Havana in Cuba, and felt completely safe. Of course I had the strap wrapped a few times around my hand, but never felt threatened at all.

[bobbyz]

Insurance on say $5000 stuff is < $50 per yr. Buy it and don't worry too much.

[bbqKing]

i wish my town was called slaughterville!

It's all country living here ( alot of outlaws live here)spread out over alot of miles with one bar a fire house and a vineyard.

Funny thing is a few years ago an animal rights group offered like 20 grand if we changed the name to Veggieville and they were laughed out of the county.

And i forgot about a State Pen about 15 miles from my house

[Mark_Cohran]

Situational awareness, a firm grip on my gear, and a confident attitude and body language usually works for me. Twenty years in the military had me visiting quite a few rough places (sometimes with camera, sometimes not), and I never had a problem. These days, I don't go into many rough urban areas with a camera (that's not what I shoot), but I do hike quite a lot on back country trails. When I'm hiking I'm well protected by S&W (not a choice for everyone, but it works for me).

I'm much like Canonloader - I'm simply not going to hand over my money or possessions simply because someone threatens me. If they want it, they'd better be willing to risk their life and limb to take it. I have high regard for the value of human life, but I don't agree with the philosophy that might rules and the aggressive deserve to get away with my stuff.

[JCam07]

Like Mark says, situational awarness... It looks like you're either hunter or hunted in this world. Since I'm a 6'3", 250 pound hunter, fearing for my safety has never been a problem.
To stay in shape I don't go to a gym, tried it, bored me to death. I cut firewood and do as much manual labor as possible like shoveling snow, carpentry, sawing lumber, cutting grass, etc. My son and I have cut 5 cords of firewood in the last two weeks. That means we've cut and moved 16 tons, 32000 pounds, of wood by hand. Nothing in the world makes me feel more alive than a 3/8" full chisel chain screaming at 13500 rpm, on a 20" bar, tearing through oak limbs like a hot knife through butter. Keeping the saw in the wood makes you dance through the fallen tops, every muscle tight, holding on, guiding, a 15 pound, 70cc, machine you don't dare take your eyes or hands off of, it could kill you. It seems kind of like swinging a sword when you cut down through a limb and then come back up, cutting the next chunk on the top of the bar. The saw blasts wood away from you in a shower of chips as the chunks fall to the ground.
I feel safe anywhere I go with a camera. Like Canonloader, if you want to take anything away from me you better be ready to dance with me first. Pull a gun and I'll cash in on the insurance. No need to have your timecard punched over a camera.

[Croasdail]

Killing someone over a camera is just foolish. Sure you might be in the right...so what. I covered a story here about two years ago where a chap won a battle with some punks... and then the punks friends evened the score and took it out later on the chaps wife - killing her. His win was very short lived. It just isn't that hard to find people anymore, and many of these people have a lot less to loose then you. Fortunately, this was the rare case. But then again, so is being mugged for your camera gear.

[nyy]

I feel a lot safer in NYC than in the middle of the woods in NJ. Your chances of getting mugged in NY are very slim, and there are cops everywhere.

[Mark_Cohran]

Killing someone over a camera is just foolish. Sure you might be in the right...so what. I covered a story here about two years ago where a chap won a battle with some punks... and then the punks friends evened the score abd took it out later on the chaps wife - killing her. His win was very short lived. It just isn't that hard to find people anymore, and many of these people have a lot less to loose then you.

I don't think anyone is suggesting killing anyone over a piece of gear. We simply have a difference in philosophies. I'm not going to simply hand over anything to anyone who threatens me. If you choose to do so, that's your call. But, in my experience, those who acquiesce to the demands of those who threaten, simply embolden the thieves to more dastardly deeds.

[Croasdail]

I hear ya mark. I have a riot gun I used to think I would use for self protection at home, and still would if my families life was at risk. But if your going to pull a gun on someone - you have to be prepared to use it. If you aren't prepared to pull the trigger to kill someone, you shouldn't pull a gun. When I covered the east bay area and south san francisco for the merc, I saw the results of these little confrontations way too often. The problem is it very rarely ended when the smoke cleared - that was really just the beginning of the story.

But don't get me wrong here... I am not against guns. My best bud owns a gun shop out here and I have plenty of them - just for fun.

Sorry if I came off preachie....

[canonloader]

Killing someone over a camera is just foolish.
Maybe, but it's legal now in a whole lot of states. You can even kill someone over someone elses camera. People got real tired of the only recourse being to tell the cops after the fact and hope they find your gear or car, or whatever. Now you can protect it with a gun.

I no longer carry a gun. Don't have to where I live. If someone tries to get my camera by threat or anything short of a gun, I'm going to swing it fast and hard right at his head and to hell with what it does to the camera. I'm going to get some. If someone pulls a gun, I'm throwing the camera out in the street or in the river and to hell with the consequences.

[dougbutch]

TEETEE & PRO, never ever take a knife to a gun fight....you loose every time. Seriously, the camera can be replaced. Common sense and gut insticts are what will keep you and your camera safe.

[Mark_Cohran]

Maybe, but it's legal now in a whole lot of states. You can even kill someone over someone elses camera. People got real tired of the only recourse being to tell the cops after the fact and hope they find your gear or car, or whatever. Now you can protect it with a gun.

I no longer carry a gun. Don't have to where I live. If someone tries to get my camera by threat or anything short of a gun, I'm going to swing it fast and hard right at his head and to hell with what it does to the camera. I'm going to get some. If someone pulls a gun, I'm throwing the camera out in the street or in the river and to hell with the consequences.

In some states (Florida and Texas) you're quite right, but the majority of states still only recognize deadly force in the case of the threat of death or serious physical harm to you or someone else. Deadly force is not justified to protect property, though more a more states are recognizing the "castle doctrine" meaning a home-owner has no requirement to retreat in their own home.

I think, however, this is getting way off topic with regards to photography and the original intent of the OP and I'm sure there will be a moderator along shortly to pull everyone back on topic or to close the thread.

Let's just agree that feeling safe when out and about with a camera varies with your ability and willingness either to simply cut your losses and hand over your gear or choose another route. The key, however, is to always be aware of your surroundings, know your escape route, and avoid situations where you or your gear can be put at risk.

[natasha_ps]

I'm 5ft1, 21 year old girl living in Rio de Janeiro. I love the city but I'm very cautious as I've already been mugged twice just for my purse (once at gun point). I am about to get a canon 40d and am very nervous to take it out around the city...(but it won't stop me - I guess I'll just have to get a lot of friends to trail me around whenever I want to take pics haha).
I'm surprised to see so many people would fight to keep their gear! TPeople are so desperate here that they often are either drugged up or really have nothing to lose if they get thrown in prison so won't hesitate to be violent. If anyone were to try to grab it from me I really would just hadn it over unfortunately. In fact, tragically a tourist was hit by a bus and died whilst trying to fight a thief off his camera just near my house (in the middle of the day). It's just not worht the risk in my opinion.

Has anyone out there travelled with a similar camera in South America?

[Bear073]

I've had a guy pull a knife on me before, and I didn't any have any camera gear with me, so yeah, I sometimes get paranoid. It is fortunately the only time in 10 years of having a carry permit that I have had to draw my sidearm. And i feel very lucky I didn't have to use it, although I would have if he hadn't retreated (aka run like hell). You can't tell when something will happen, I just try to be aware of whats going on around me more. Which can be very difficult to remember when your trying to get a great photo. I would not use violence to protect my gear, but I would to protect myself. I always keep my camera to the offside of my Kimber 1911 when I'm not using it.

edit: When I'm not using the camera that is - lol

[doidinho]

I'm 5ft1, 21 year old girl living in Rio de Janeiro. I love the city but I'm very cautious as I've already been mugged twice just for my purse (once at gun point). I am about to get a canon 40d and am very nervous to take it out around the city...(but it won't stop me - I guess I'll just have to get a lot of friends to trail me around whenever I want to take pics haha).
I'm surprised to see so many people would fight to keep their gear! TPeople are so desperate here that they often are either drugged up or really have nothing to lose if they get thrown in prison so won't hesitate to be violent. If anyone were to try to grab it from me I really would just hadn it over unfortunately. In fact, tragically a tourist was hit by a bus and died whilst trying to fight a thief off his camera just near my house (in the middle of the day). It's just not worht the risk in my opinion.

Has anyone out there travelled with a similar camera in South America?


I travelled all over Rio with my Rebel and tripod. I used common sense and avoided any problems. Outside of Rio (the city) the threat is greatly reduced. I had a blast in Buzios, Saquarame, Paqueta, and even Niteroi. I went out for a pre-sunrise session in Cabo Frio and ran in to a group of guys that were talking about mugging me; I cought them off guard when I started speaking Portuguese and the moved along quite quickly once they realized I understood the plans they were making out loud.

I decided not to take my gear to Lapa and am regretting it deeply; the city was having a street ball tournement when I was there and missed a lot of good photo ops at a bar that was having live pagode. Next time the camera goes to Lapa with me.

I bought insurance on the camera before I went and was ready to hand it over if ever assaulted. The thieves in Rio appear to be fairly non violent if you cooperate; however, the value of your life is zero if you put up a fight and they will kill you w/o thinking at the first sign of resistance.

That incident in Ipanema with the bus happend the same day I was in the city taking pictures.

[ryant35]

I mentioned this in another thread, but large white L glass works great for hitting people over the head. Be sure to get insurance before your L glass becomes a weapon.

[saravrose]

change your bag up. I know it sounds goofy but a lot of folks carry around tamrac or lowepros. those black bags are easily identifiable to anybody as a camera bag with expensive stuff inside. I carry around a domke. I've actually started to get it good and broken in. It's got half a dozen random patches on it and a few really great stains. To the naked eye it just looks like an older duffel. I know condyk carries his L glass around in an Old Navy bag.

Sari

[ThomGascoigne]

I have already posted this comment in: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=155169&page=17

I love shooting in high risk area's such as ghetto's like RedFern in Sydney or sometimes scary places like Belfast -North Ireland. I've been doing it since I was 14 years old and I've learnt that due to the way I carry myself and my size I'm not likely to be "rolled" (mugged without weapon) by a single person or just a few people, I am much more likely to have weapons pulled on me or be approached by a larger group of youths or men in which case I be bloody confident and I stick to my ground and I don't allow myself to be surrounded or backed into a corner and in worst cases scenarios I have the back up of pepper spray and a extendable baton.

Having said all that, It's illegal to carry pepper spray and a baton in all parts of Australia, Although you can get away with carrying pepper spray in WA (as-long as you can provided evidence your safety is at threat) I have also had extensive self defensive training combined with being street wise.

I'd recommend being very careful when shooting in poor / high crime area's. Take someone with you. Always have a back up plan along with a good excuse for taking photos in the area you are in.

Pepper spray can be very useful but it isn't %100 guaranteed to work on everyone, Nor is a baton (some drug effected people can withstand alot of pain. Especially ice users)

Don't be a idiot. If you take photos of someone selling drugs or if you openly take photos of someone without their permission you could end up getting into alot of strife. I've found with a bit of bull**** you can get people to allow you to take their photo, In all fairness it does help if you are actually able to give them a print out of the photo at a later date or if you do use the photo for a non commercial purpose such as a art show let them know.

Also, Doesn't matter how much you love your camera it isn't worth losing your life or receiving a serious injury over. So be careful.

Adding on to this. It's just plain stupid to carry a knife, You don't want to kill someone do you? I just want to protect myself. Flipping a baton out in-front of someone and screaming at them is more threatening then pulling out a knife while shaking with all the freight and adrenaline and it's not hard to kill someone with just a 2cm blade.

[Patrick]

I feel safe with my camera because I have insurance and my camera isn't the only thing I shoot with.

If someone does a snatch and grab, it's not a good idea to shoot them in the back while they're running away. The flip side is if they demand that you give up the camera, you don't, and then they "attack" you to get it; Defend your life, shoot them.

[turbo212003]

My gear is insured. I'm not going to risk my life for it.

[thebishopp]

Same here in Indiana CCW all the way!

Got to love the USA! ... well, most parts of it anyway :-) ... and those states that haven't taken away an individuals right to defend themselves.

[The Outlaw]

im just glad im big and intimidating looking.... doesnt hurt that im pretty sure most thieves don't know just how much camera gear is worth. sure some do but alot dont.

[Ridebmx]

theres always going to be an unsafe feeling place.

at the fair, i had 2 unsafe moments.
#1 a carney said he was going to grab the camera out of my hands and break it, dont know why i did nothing but walk past. he came running at me after saying he was going to.

#2 a mexican family tried starting a fight with us for walking past, the little son that was 200lbs and shirt dragging on the ground was trying to start a fight even after we were 100ft away still walking.
i walked past and they said "nice camera" "we should beat his &&& and jack his camera!"

what they didnt know is i was working fair media security aka fair media with security benefits, and the cheif of security is agood friend and also a photographer. after i radioed it in, the carney got fired on the spot after appoligizing and got a ticket for 3 diffrent charges,
and the mexican family was banned fromt he fair for the year along with 2 charges, for verbal harrasment and attempted grand theft

[Roy Mathers]

What is a carney?

[tonylong]

What is a carney?

Carnies are the folks who run the rides and game booths at carnivals (and he carnival portion of fairs).

[Roy Mathers]

Thank you.

[fubarhouse]

The only times where I feel somewhat unsafe is when there's few people around and it's dark.
I will have to face these conditions early next year.
Apart from this, why should you worry when there area lot of people around. So long as they're not criminals or terrorists and they have feelings you'll be right.
Worst comes to worst, be insured!

[thebishopp]

I put my life on the line for 3 years in the 60's for far less. I have been shot at, and hit for $79 a month back then. For 40 years, I put my life on the line twice every day I drove to and from work. Most of my working life, I worked man killing jobs and came close a few times myself. Yes, I made my mind up years ago, that nobody is going to take my wallet, my camera, my car, or my showlaces without knowing he's been in a fight. You know me Liz, the older I get, the less there is to lose if it comes to it, but I am not going to just give it away.


I think this is the crux of it.

A lot of people think that it's about fighting or dying over "just a camera" or "just a car" or "just a house" or "just a this or that".

It's not about the property, it's the principal behind allowing someone to "just take" what they want from you with no repercussions. For those of you who think the "police" will protect you I wouldn't be relying on the police so much as they are primarily a "reactionary" agency which does very little "prevention".

What people don't realize is that by caving into the criminal you are putting your life in their hands.

You are betting everything that they are just going to take the item and do nothing to you, and yes, if you are LUCKY they will just do that and not rape or kill you.

You are CHOOSING to be TOTALLY at the mercy of the criminal. To me this makes no sense.

[Chris Stewart]

hey everyone. I work with the homeless and individuals on the street of Adelaide.
Early on when I first started approaching people I went about it all wrong and when photographing a young man he suddenly lunged forward and tried to grab my 5d from me.
Alot of these people have mental problems and every day is a struggle. I now never approach a person with my camera in my hand. I sit down and have a chat to them first.

[yogestee]

Here in Laos I sometimes carry in my bag the equivalent of 5 times the average yearly wage (420USD).. I never feel unsafe or threatened but that doesn't mean I'm not careful, my gear is not insured.. There is little street crime in Vientiane although bag snatching goes through cycles especially at the end of the month when salaries haven't been paid..

There is a Brit in gaol for snotting a Lao for trying stealing his laptop bag off his back.. He took chase retrieving his laptop and giving the guy a bit of a going over.. His crime,, assalt with excess force.. The Brit weighs around 90kgs the Lao around 50kgs..

[JasonRussell]

I skimmed over this thread but would like to add a reply.

I feel very safe walking around with my camera gear. Im 6' tall and in good shape but because of past experiences outside of photography I also carry side arm with me wherever I go.

I was photographing a local annual festival 2 years ago when on the walk back to the car I was confronted buy a guy with a knife asking for my gear. I handed the bag over to him and as he went to unzip it and inspect what was inside, I pulled my side arm and asked for my stuff back. He set my bag down along with his knife and took off running.

[yogestee]

I skimmed over this thread but would like to add a reply.

I feel very safe walking around with my camera gear. Im 6' tall and in good shape but because of past experiences outside of photography I also carry side arm with me wherever I go.

I was photographing a local annual festival 2 years ago when on the walk back to the car I was confronted buy a guy with a knife asking for my gear. I handed the bag over to him and as he went to unzip it and inspect what was inside, I pulled my side arm and asked for my stuff back. He set my bag down along with his knife and took off running.

Why??

[JasonRussell]

Just such occasions. I have carried for 5 years and only had to pull it twice. Both in self defense. Both times were justified by the police.

[yogestee]

Just such occasions. I have carried for 5 years and only had to pull it twice. Both in self defense. Both times were justified by the police.

Jason,, without getting into a political discussion, don't you think its a sign of society going mad if you have to carry a weapon??

[JasonRussell]

I totally agree Jurgen. Todays society is mad.

I lived in Germany for a few years growing up and would have never thought about needing a wepon for personal defense there. Here in parts of America, its crazy.

You never know what will happen from one minute to the next. Last night there were 5 shootings in 3 cities that surround Norfolk where I live. 3 drug related, 2 are still being investigated. 1 person who was shot was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

[yogestee]

Jason,, its so nice living in a peaceful Buddhist country although its still a regime..

[JasonRussell]

Got a spare room for me? :)

[yogestee]

Got a spare room for me? :)

Hahahahaaaa,, actually we have.. Bring your camera!!

[JasonRussell]

Oh man... Soooooo tempting :D

[chris1911]

Jason,, without getting into a political discussion, don't you think its a sign of society going mad if you have to carry a weapon??

Yes, society has gone mad:(

I carry wherever i go. I have no pity for a scumbag who wishes to do me or my family harm. I will be the one going home if at all possible.

That said, i would not kill someone over my gear (maybe just pistol whip em,lol).

[Nick Pro]

I totally agree Jurgen. Todays society is mad.

You never know what will happen from one minute to the next. Last night there were 5 shootings in 3 cities that surround Norfolk where I live. 3 drug related, 2 are still being investigated. 1 person who was shot was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

yep. I live in a nice area, but we are surrounded by not so great ares full of wannabe gangsters. I also like to ride bikes. My bikes are pretty expensive. 2000 and under. Being 6' 3" helps, but i've learned that if you act confident, stare back when they stare at you, and dont be intimidated, you will be fine. I do carry a knife, but more for every day use than protection. I've had this conversation before, and will most likely get a can of mace or pepper spray. I like to ride at a park in philly. Therefore, people who arent the greatest can be around any corner. The spray will atleast impair them for a minute or so so that I can get away.

For everyone who says dont act confident if your not, you should never be not confident in a situation like that.

[thebishopp]

[quote=chris1911;6307537]Yes, society has gone mad:( quote]

"society" has always been "mad". since there are more people there are obviously more criminals (as there are more victims for them to prey on).

Criminals aren't a new thing. They've been around for years and they like to prey on the helpless (or who they perceive as being so) as they are the easiest prey. In fact in the "old" days people carried swords, knives, and staves (as well as all manner of weapons) instead of guns to protect themselves from theives and raiders.

But as I stated before, the issue isn't that they want your camera, gear, whatever... the issue is that when you do not fight, you are placing your life into the hands of this criminal.

You are at their mercy. You live or die soley by their grace.

In all practical sense they are now your masters and you exist purely for their amusement. They can kill you, torture, rape you, totally at their discretion.

You hope that all they want is your camera, your money, your shirt, your sneakers, etc.

Now you may say that you will wait to see if all they want is your camera, but by then it will usually be too late as you will be already under their control and can only pray for an opening or for someone to miraculously swoop in and save you.

Sounds harsh but that is the reality of it.

[ThomGascoigne]

yep. I live in a nice area, but we are surrounded by not so great ares full of wannabe gangsters. I also like to ride bikes. My bikes are pretty expensive. 2000 and under. Being 6' 3" helps, but i've learned that if you act confident, stare back when they stare at you, and dont be intimidated, you will be fine. I do carry a knife, but more for every day use than protection. I've had this conversation before, and will most likely get a can of mace or pepper spray. I like to ride at a park in philly. Therefore, people who arent the greatest can be around any corner. The spray will atleast impair them for a minute or so so that I can get away.

For everyone who says dont act confident if your not, you should never be not confident in a situation like that.

Seriously dude, Get rid of the knife. Pepper spray is good but I've used it on people before and it hasn't worked so I've had to resort to using brut force to drop the guy to the ground. I've had great success with extendable batons, And I believe they are pretty cheap in the US so get one!

The only time I've had my baton fail has been when the person was on ice (meth) and in that case it took me and 3 others to hold this guy down.

It's surprisingly easy to kill someone with just a 2cm knife wound.

[Nathan]

I don't feel safe, generally.

I live in a part of Boston that's not great to walk around at night. I usually get home late, so I leave my camera in the office during the week. I have renter's insurance and I've scheduled all my photo equipment.

[thebishopp]

The problem is that criminals should fear their victims and not the other way around.

I like how Florida interviewed the people in prisons after passing the "shall issue" CCW laws. Apparently while local crimes went down, crimes against tourist began to rise. It turns out the criminals were targeting tourists because they knew that they were not going to be armed LOL! They told the interviewers that since the new ccw law was passed (apparently a lot of permits were issued in a relatively short time) it was more dangerous to rob a floridian than the tourists.

So that's when Florida began issueing out of state permits.

[thebishopp]

Seriously dude, Get rid of the knife. Pepper spray is good but I've used it on people before and it hasn't worked so I've had to resort to using brut force to drop the guy to the ground. I've had great success with extendable batons, And I believe they are pretty cheap in the US so get one!

The only time I've had my baton fail has been when the person was on ice (meth) and in that case it took me and 3 others to hold this guy down.

It's surprisingly easy to kill someone with just a 2cm knife wound.

The knife is a good weapon but you really have to know how to use it or one could wind up hurting oneself or have it being turned against you.

Pepper spray is ok but has it's limitations. Kimber - the gun company - makes something called "the guardian" which fires a blast of pepperspray at about 90mph. I bought my girlfriend this thing because she can carry it places she can't carry the little keltec 380 I got her for her purse. It's also easier to deploy but make no mistake, it is merely for her to use to either buy her time to draw her primary weapon or to get away if possible (if not to allow her to get a better weapon - rock, something). I like it because being hit in the eyes with 90mph of anything is going to hurt.

Peronsally I have seen pepper spray fail in some high stress situations (in once case it took about 5 of us to subdue this highly intoxicated fellow despite his being blasted with pepper). I have had it sprayed in my face for training and while it burned like hell I was still able to function... I do not trust it.

I am an ASP baton instructor (since 1997) and personally love it, though again, I have seen it fail in high stress situations (usually with intoxicated individuals). In one case the guy didn't appear to feel it till the next day when he woke up in jail. It still took a group of us to get him down and cuffed... granted we weren't trying to really hurt him or it would of been a lot easier.

In the end training is vital for any weapon you choose to carry. Just because you have a gun (or any other item) it is useless unless you can deploy it in an effective manner (quickly and acurately).

[JasonRussell]

In the end training is vital for any weapon you choose to carry. Just because you have a gun (or any other item) it is useless unless you can deploy it in an effective manner (quickly and acurately).

I agree 100%

[Titus213]

I very often envy those living in, by US standards, dirt poor countries where you can still feel safe on the streets. I'm not sure what that's all about.

I've recently acquired business insurance on my gear but I think I would still be outraged enough to fight if someone tried to take it. But I feel quite at peace around Camas, WA. It's a peaceful little town. Portland on the other hand is a different story. I would suspect that a native Portlander would feel very comfortable most places there. I wouldn't.

[yogestee]

I very often envy those living in, by US standards, dirt poor countries where you can still feel safe on the streets. I'm not sure what that's all about.

Dave,, in Australia there is a strong gun lobby but its very difficult to gain owership of a gun even a hunting rifle.. The general public just don't want guns in suburbia.. Carrying a knife with a blade longer than 2 1/2" is illegal.. The police have the power but its rarely used to search anyone at their discretion for knives etc.. In Australia shootings do occur but its not all that common..

Here in Laos guns are illegal but in the provinces one can often see men carrying decade old hunting rifles even crossbows for hunting but machettes are common.. Laos still being a regime, any violent crime is dealt with harshly and swiftly..

[JasonRussell]

You dont hear about shootings on the news everynight do you?


Lucky.


PS: Im trying to book a flight...haha

[STP 40D]

My camera is always around my neck.

That said, I'm 6'2", 245lbs. If someone approaches me and doesn't have a weapon, he'd better pack a lunch...

[yogestee]

You dont hear about shootings on the news everynight do you?


Lucky.


PS: Im trying to book a flight...haha

Not every night in Australia Jason but when it happens its BIG news.. Many shootings are the result of domestic violence and gang shootings are rare if ever..

I don't watch a lot of Lao TV,, I don't understand the language well enough but on Lao TV they often parade criminals infront of TV cameras for public exhibition and humiliation..

[JasonRussell]

See that right there is what the US needs to do!

Stuff like that will help a ton. Watching the news here just makes me depressed. I couldnt tell you the last time I saw somthing good on our local news chanels.

[yogestee]

See that right there is what the US needs to do!

Stuff like that will help a ton. Watching the news here just makes me depressed. I couldnt tell you the last time I saw somthing good on our local news chanels.

I don't watch that much TV here.. I usually watch the news from Australia in the evening.. But I do spend a bit of time cruising the forums on POTN :lol:

[JasonRussell]

Me too. Eventhough this place is full of violence too with all the camer dropping :D

[tonylong]

I very often envy those living in, by US standards, dirt poor countries where you can still feel safe on the streets. I'm not sure what that's all about.

I've recently acquired business insurance on my gear but I think I would still be outraged enough to fight if someone tried to take it. But I feel quite at peace around Camas, WA. It's a peaceful little town. Portland on the other hand is a different story. I would suspect that a native Portlander would feel very comfortable most places there. I wouldn't.

But you gotta watch out for those turkey vultures that are always circling over Camas...one of them might make a grab:)!

[thebishopp]

You dont hear about shootings on the news everynight do you?


Lucky.


PS: Im trying to book a flight...haha


I wouldn't be so quick to book a flight, back in 2005 a travel advisory was put out by the Japan.

Australia's high crime rates prompt travel warning

Powered by CDNN - CYBER DIVER News Network
by LUTHER MONROE

SYDNEY, Australia (17 Apr 2005) -- Australia's high crime rates have prompted Japan to issue a travel advisory warning tourists to beware of Aussie thieves.
Due to Australia's extremely high rate of theft and muggings, Japan's Foreign Ministry has warned tourists to Australia's Gold Coast region not to leave valuables in locked hotel rooms and "to keep a tight grip on hand and shoulder bags".
Japanese travelers pump $2.7 billion into Australia's economy every year and Tourism Australia, which competes with Hawaii, Thailand, Fiji and other popular Japanese tourist destinations, is struggling to spin Japan's travel advisory as a non-issue.
"Our Japanese travellers are far more interested in the reasons they want to come to the Gold Coast rather than a few little notes here and there on a web site, so I think its impact is negligible if anything at all," said tourism promoter Scott Morrison.
But CDNN Travel Editor Carmen Sanchez said that Japanese travelers are more likely than any other nationality to change their travel plans based on official government travel advisories and warned all dive travelers to Australia to take extra precautions to prevent thefts.

"Unfortunately for the good guys, crime pays in Australia and theft is rampant , far worse than in developing nations of the Asia Pacific region," explained Sanchez. "The high value of scuba diving equipment makes it a prime target for thieves in Australia's resort areas and airport baggage handling areas."
"Another concern for savvy travelers to Australia is overcharging, an issue that surfaced several years ago when CDNN reported on Mike Ball's pricing scam that discriminated against Japanese and American divers with prices 40 percent above standard rates," added Sanchez. "That's another form of theft that seems to be considered 'good sport' by many Australian tourism officials, hotels and dive boat operators."

[JasonRussell]

Ahhh but Im going to Jurgen in Laos ;)

[Titus213]

But you gotta watch out for those turkey vultures that are always circling over Camas...one of them might make a grab:)!

You got that right.:D Come to think of it I was going over there and lay around on my back to get some shots. Maybe this is a good week.

[Titus213]

I wouldn't be so quick to book a flight, back in 2005 a travel advisory was put out by the Japan.

Australia's high crime rates prompt travel warning

Powered by CDNN - CYBER DIVER News Network
by LUTHER MONROE

SYDNEY, Australia (17 Apr 2005) -- Australia's high crime rates have prompted Japan to issue a travel advisory warning tourists to beware of Aussie thieves.
Due to Australia's extremely high rate of theft and muggings, Japan's Foreign Ministry has warned tourists to Australia's Gold Coast region not to leave valuables in locked hotel rooms and "to keep a tight grip on hand and shoulder bags".
Japanese travelers pump $2.7 billion into Australia's economy every year and Tourism Australia, which competes with Hawaii, Thailand, Fiji and other popular Japanese tourist destinations, is struggling to spin Japan's travel advisory as a non-issue.
"Our Japanese travellers are far more interested in the reasons they want to come to the Gold Coast rather than a few little notes here and there on a web site, so I think its impact is negligible if anything at all," said tourism promoter Scott Morrison.
But CDNN Travel Editor Carmen Sanchez said that Japanese travelers are more likely than any other nationality to change their travel plans based on official government travel advisories and warned all dive travelers to Australia to take extra precautions to prevent thefts.

"Unfortunately for the good guys, crime pays in Australia and theft is rampant , far worse than in developing nations of the Asia Pacific region," explained Sanchez. "The high value of scuba diving equipment makes it a prime target for thieves in Australia's resort areas and airport baggage handling areas."
"Another concern for savvy travelers to Australia is overcharging, an issue that surfaced several years ago when CDNN reported on Mike Ball's pricing scam that discriminated against Japanese and American divers with prices 40 percent above standard rates," added Sanchez. "That's another form of theft that seems to be considered 'good sport' by many Australian tourism officials, hotels and dive boat operators."

Man, I'm glad they don't have guns....

[thebishopp]

Ahhh but Im going to Jurgen in Laos ;)

Lol... be careful there as well, apparently in 2007 it was reported that the police are expanding to combat the increasing crime rate (almost 16 percent from the year prior) "In Vientiane alone, more than 3,300 incidents required police assistance, and caused injury, death and loss of property. The incidents included burglaries, bag snatching, drug abuse, domestic problems and fraud."

Goes to show you have to be careful wherever you go (grass is always greener you know). Situational awareness being very important.

[thebishopp]

Man, I'm glad they don't have guns....

Yeah, they'll just beat and stab you... oh yeah, and criminals, by their very definition don't normally obey the laws (gun laws being one of them) so there is a better than average chance that the local criminal will have a gun whereas the local law abiding citizen won't. But hey, for the sheepeople of the world there is always the hope and prey, I mean Pray, line of defense :-)

[Titus213]

Yeah, they'll just beat and stab you... oh yeah, and criminals, by their very definition don't normally obey the laws (gun laws being one of them) so there is a better than average chance that the local criminal will have a gun whereas the local law abiding citizen won't. But hey, for the sheepeople of the world there is always the hope and prey, I mean Pray, line of defense :-)

Ah, a man who understands reality. I do carry on occasion, depending on where I'm going and what I'm carrying in the bag. Living on a state line hampers that from a legal perspective. Oregon is tough to get an out of state license out of.

[CTM]

I live in Japan and I think it is reasonably safe here to walk around with your gear. But I do get a little weary when I travel to South East Asia like Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia. Probably due to the fact that you are in a country where you have no friends, aid, support. If anything was to happen, you are all on your own.

But its just a camera at the end of the day, putting your life on the line isn't really worth it. :cool::cool:

[thebishopp]

Ah, a man who understands reality. I do carry on occasion, depending on where I'm going and what I'm carrying in the bag. Living on a state line hampers that from a legal perspective. Oregon is tough to get an out of state license out of.

I see that Oregon only honors Oregon permits. That is a bummer.

Our former rep Hostetler was trying to get a national concealed carry permit recognized. It is a pity he was voted out in the last election and replaced with democrat Elsworth (not for that but I think it had to do with a lot of people being upset with republicans of which Hostetler was one).

Prior to that Hostetler introducing that national concealed carry bill, he also got a local (Indiana) Castle Doctrine law passed here (a very good thing for the law abiding residents of Indiana).

[thebishopp]

I live in Japan and I think it is reasonably safe here to walk around with your gear. But I do get a little weary when I travel to South East Asia like Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia. Probably due to the fact that you are in a country where you have no friends, aid, support. If anything was to happen, you are all on your own.

But its just a camera at the end of the day, putting your life on the line isn't really worth it. :cool::cool:

No it is not... send it to me so you can totally avoid any issues down the road with it :-) I will even pay for shipping to help you remain safe in these troubled times :-)

[tonylong]

You got that right.:D Come to think of it I was going over there and lay around on my back to get some shots. Maybe this is a good week.

I think they like the smell of the pulp mill:)!

[Oneslowz28]

I have a CWP (concealed weapon permit) and always have my Compact Springfeild XD .45acp on me when waking around town. Grab my gear and I will throw a hunk of led wrapped in copper at ya.