What's The Closest You Have Come To Being Robbed Of Your Camera Gear?

Getting scammed would do it.

Pay for gear, never get gear.

Nice.

NSWESP wrote in post #4488443
Closest so far was Airport Security trying to take my Monopod today.
Security: "Sorry these can't fly"
Me: "Im well aware of that, Thats why im at the airport today sir"
Security: "Im going to have to take it"
Me: "Im sorry but how would you feel if i made off with your Radio and Gun?, i paid for this im keeping it"
Security: "People could take this off you and use it as a batton"
Me: "People could use a hot coffee from the cafe for worse"
Security: "Point taken, However im doing my job"
Supervisor: "If i can't see it, its fine"
Me: Sticks monopod down pants (Only place it would fit) HAHA
Supervisor: "Fine"
And my gear is fully insured.

Thanks Angus I needed a laugh this morning

Geez, now they're trying to confiscate blunt weapons? I guess they better stop letting babies on-
I mean....

Sounds as if some of you have had some close scrapes!

When you take into account the apparently coincidental theft attempts it just shows that there must be thieving scum all around us at all times, waiting for an opportunity to steal something. That doesn't do anything to mitigate my extreme dislike for human beings in general.

One thing I was thinking might be a good idea would be to have a tracking device embedded into the lining of your camera bag so that it can be activated and tracked if someone makes off with your gear. I've no idea about the practicalities of this, but I've seen it done on TV with a laptop computer, planted to catch thieves (on Channel 5's 'McIntyre Undercover', here in the UK).

Mike

NSWESP wrote in post #4488443
Me: Sticks monopod down pants (Only place it would fit) HAHA
.

Would this mean you now have a Bipod?

While walking/taking pictures at a Bird Sanctuary in the Lower Mainland here my Explorer was broken into by smashing the passenger window. They took every thing - camera bag, GPS, even a photography book still in wrapper in the back seat. The good news was that I had my camera with me and there were no spare lenses in the bag. But I lost charger, batteries, grip, CP filter, manuals, other assorted filters cables etc,

Thanks to our insurance company I had a check in three days to start replacing things.

I no longer leave ANYTHING in my vehicle when I'm away from it. If I have my BIG bag with lenses I carry it with me. And my GPS goes into my bag when I leave the car.

Guess that qualifies as CLOSE!

WaltA wrote in post #4490084
While walking/taking pictures at a Bird Sanctuary in the Lower Mainland here my Explorer was broken into by smashing the passenger window. They took every thing - camera bag, GPS, even a photography book still in wrapper in the back seat. The good news was that I had my camera with me and there were no spare lenses in the bag. But I lost charger, batteries, grip, CP filter, manuals, other assorted filters cables etc,

Thanks to our insurance company I had a check in three days to start replacing things.

I no longer leave ANYTHING in my vehicle when I'm away from it. If I have my BIG bag with lenses I carry it with me. And my GPS goes into my bag when I leave the car.

Guess that qualifies as CLOSE!

Was burglarized once and lost two cameras and 8 lenses, but I wasn't out shooting when it happened.

I did want to note that there have been a lot of vehicle break-ins around here primarily because of portable GPS units. By this I mean the recent availability of nice portable GPS units are attracting thieves who intend to grab them (and anything else) in "smash and grab" attacks. They look for the suction cup attachment mounts on the window or dashboard and even if they can't see the unit, they figure it's stored somewhere in the vehicle. The local law enforcement agencies around here have recommended that people store the mounts out of site, take your GPS with you, and even wipe off the inside of your windshield to remove the suction cup mark as they thieves will see that as a clue to a GPS unit.

I guess these things are easy to sell and fetch a decent price. Damn, I hate thieves!

Mark

Mark_Cohran wrote in post #4490753
Was burglarized once and lost two cameras and 8 lenses, but I wasn't out shooting when it happened.

I did want to note that there have been a lot of vehicle break-ins around here primarily because of portable GPS units. By this I mean the recent availability of nice portable GPS units are attracting thieves who intend to grab them (and anything else) in "smash and grab" attacks. They look for the suction cup attachment mounts on the window or dashboard and even if they can't see the unit, they figure it's stored somewhere in the vehicle. The local law enforcement agencies around here have recommended that people store the mounts out of site, take your GPS with you, and even wipe off the inside of your windshield to remove the suction cup mark as they thieves will see that as a clue to a GPS unit.

I guess these things are easy to sell and fetch a decent price. Damn, I hate thieves!

Mark

Yeah, Mark, I now use the "Beanbag" holder for my GPS cause it leaves no evidence on the dash or windshield.

Some amateurs got their hands on my EOS 50e in Barcelona. But a knee to the crotch (I'm such a girl) caused him to release it. One of two mugging attempts in 9 days. The other was unsuccessful too. Can't see me going back any time soon.

It would be a lot easier (and probably safer) in Europe if we were allowed to shoot people, like the Americans are!

I'm sure a lot of people would think twice about trying to swipe someone's camera bag if they knew they stood a chance of ending up with a few extra holes in them.

Mike

My fiance stole my camera once when she forgot her P&S to take pics of her nephew.

Otherwise, I don't think a criminal would be dumb enough to try to steal my camera (at least when I'm around). I've got 10+1 reason why they shouldn't...and their all of the .45 ACP caliber (and I'm a big guy too, I suppose that helps).

Never had a theft attempt, thankfully, as I'm not planning on getting insurance until I start into serious business first of the new year. In the meantime, if it's armed robbery or my camera getting jacked while I'm not around it, then I guess there's not a whole lot I can do about it. If I'm around and someone tries to take my stuff, I'll just count it as some free sparring practice in between kick boxing sessions

Mike-DT6 wrote in post #4491526
It would be a lot easier (and probably safer) in Europe if we were allowed to shoot people, like the Americans are!

I'm sure a lot of people would think twice about trying to swipe someone's camera bag if they knew they stood a chance of ending up with a few extra holes in them.

Mike

I have often wondered why the crime rate is so low in america, now I know.

Reciprocal irony I hope.

I'm not sure the thuggish element knows the value of camera gear, and I sure don't see them taking it up as a hobby! Seriously, I don't know what it is, but if you look like you know what you're doing, and have "pro" gear and don't act intimidated, you are generally given a wide berth.