I got robbed of $16,000 worth of camera gear (Story time)

[@Dwoalin]

As soon as you started describing the story I instantly thought that the guy staring you down was the distraction while a second person stole the bag. Sounds like a tag team effort to me. I'm so sorry, my friend 🥺 I'm glad you were able to get the gear covered though.

[@markIRL]

I thought the same thing! Plus I’m a Chicagoan and staring at me would totally get me distracted lol I hope he doesn’t beat himself up too hard, this sort of thing happens and lessons are learned from experience.

[@iransirijillo]

That’s exactly how they work, they’re so good at it that even if you know this before hand they can still manage to get you unless your gears is completely strapped to you

[@Dwoalin]

@@iransirijillo Certainly much easier to notice these things as an outside looking in.

[@jennyelena]

Same

[@Dwoalin]

@jbdacanay He said he was working on his laptop so they probably made a presumption?

[@filippocasadei3503]

I'm Italian Manny. €11,000 worth of equipment was stolen from me last week. Italy is truly a disappointment. Beautiful only on a postcard. I live in a small, quiet city, they broke into my house and stole everything valuable. I'm sorry for what you're going through, be strong.

[@asafoadjei1]

Oh sorry ok.

[@DrRussell]

Very sorry to hear this. Got robbed when I left my bag in a hotel room. Never gonna leave my gear in a hotel room again.

[@pf4773]

I am so sorry this happened to you. I wish you much success in the future. So many of us have been victimized by only a small group of humans who are criminals. The effects of crime are devastating.

[@pf4773]

@@DrRussell When not even hotel rooms are safe I’m not sure what can be done.

[@robyk65]

@@pf4773 hotel rooms are the first place where stuff disappear, that's why generally hotels have combination lockers inside the rooms almost everywhere in the world...

[@nicolaigutu8500]

I live in Italy and I’m telling you it is another level. They are professionals and working in groups, never alone. When I travel especially in the train I always keep the shoulder strap of the backpack around my hand just in case I will be distracted. Anyway is good that you have almost all the gear back.

[@Wc7823]

I remember the homeless women using their babies as shields to dig in your bag while you’re dropping money in their cups. My friend’s bag got stolen quick-fast. Italy is next level for sure.

[@WasabiNoise]

I live in Barcelona and I do the same, I’m constantly touching my backpack, or it’s always attached to a chair leg, etc… I think there’s been situations where they would’ve tag me but they didn’t because they realized I had things under my control. My problem is that I’m very short, so in case of violence I think I would just have to surrender.

[@michaelfarrell4824]

I always put my leg through the shoulder strap when my bags on the ground anywhere in public

[@AlessioFurlan]

I'm deeply sorry for your negative experience, and I'm saddened that it happened to you in Italy, my country. However, I’ve noticed many inaccurate statements about Italy and its safety in the comments, and unfortunately, this distorted view is often shared abroad as well. You should know that Italy, among all European countries (based on official surveys conducted on behalf of the European Commission), has the lowest crime rate. Let me emphasize this again: Italy is the country with the lowest crime rate in the entire European Union. And this trend has been consistently declining for the past 20 years. Of course, this doesn't mean that crime doesn't exist, but it's important to remember these facts. Your unfortunate experience obviously can't be erased, but keep this in mind if one day you decide to avoid returning to Italy out of fear of theft or similar issues, opting for other countries instead.

[@Bailark]

I have military and law enforcement training also. To relate to gear retention, here is a little story for you. In USMC basic training, one of the worst things you can do is lose track of your rifle. Boot camp was hard enough, so I was determined that whatever I could control, I would. One thing I felt I could definitely control was rifle retention. One of the tricks that USMC Drill Instructors use in the field is taking rifles from recruits while they are sleeping in their shelter-halves (tents). While the exhausted recruits are deeply asleep, the D.I.'s reach into the tent, grab the rifle stock, slide it out slowly, and hide it. Once the platoon is up the next morning at "zero dark-thirty", and getting into formation, one or two rifles come up missing. That's when all Hell breaks loose. Everyone gets punished. So, to avoid that, I would sleep with my arm and leg thru the rifle sling. Better to sleep uncomfortably, or not at all than to risk the wrath of a D.I....and your own platoon. One night, it was my turn to be the theft victim. I was asleep in the position that I described, and I felt a tug on my shoulder. Without fully waking up, I coiled my free leg and executed a downward kick with the heel of my boot to the top of the head of the D.I. who was trying to steal my rifle. I only woke up fully a split second or so after this happened. No sounds were made, and no punishments were issued. Best of all, no rifle was lost. SO...my idea about retention of a camera bag would be similar. Wind your arm or leg thru your arm strap while you're sitting. Make it so that if it is touched, it will pull on your body. Also, turn the bag so the opening is against your body rather than facing outward. (And one more thing). If someone grabs your attention in one direction, always be sure to look in the other directions where your blind spots are. If he holds your attention like he did on his phone, he may be a diversion. And, don't just look in a circle. Look in a sphere. That means include UP and DOWN as well as left, right, front and back. Like they told us in basic, if you're walking down a trail, and you see a handkerchief hanging from a branch above the trail...LOOK DOWN!

[@climber950]

Losing gear is shitty, but Losing the Footage Is what’s irreplaceable. Glad you’re ok, which is obviously the most important.

[@Darkest_Soul_187]

He didn't shoot it yet

[@r4ldz]

When I have multiple bags with me, I always carry multiple carabiner clips with paracords attached, then I make sure to secure them to a fixed structure when they are off my hands. Even inside the car, I attach the bags in carabiners to some hooks so that if somebody breaks the windows, they could not easily pull out the bags. It's not 100% secure, but it deters or delays the thieves from stealing my bags.

[@RyoHazuki224]

Thats a good idea, just clip it to your belt loops or something.

[@MrSmith8593]

Excellent idea

[@bluestilling101]

My camera bag would have remained in my lap. Period.

[@nositelle]

Difficult to do so when you have so much gear and weight to carry with you so that you need a big container @@bluestilling101

[@wjonz321]

Great Idea!

[@Tony16610]

Dude, something similar happened to me in Paris a couple years back. You know what saved my ass? My airtag. There was also a "distraction" on a train involving women and I had my bag between my feet one second, and it was gone the next. After the initial burst of panic, I remember I had an airtag hidden inside one of the dividers (we cut it open, removed some foam and slipped it in before taping it shut)- I saw it was still on the train and I was able to coordinate with my buddy which way it was going. I never saw the thieves but I think once they saw two large men immediately make a beeline in their direction, they dropped it and ran. I found my bag face up on a seat about 2 metres away from the exit doors. Another 20 seconds, and it would have been out on the platform and probably long gone not long after.

[@skatetoexplorevideos2477]

Damn, that's wild.

[@primetimegrant]

Glad you got your shit back man 💪🏾

[@efreutel]

Hot damn! What a story. Really glad you prevailed!

[@Spacemonkeymojo]

Wow! Sounds like an Airtag for your luggage is a damn good idea.

[@NiniRockX]

Wow, crazy

[@roberthectus7298]

Manny, there is always time for editing later. I would not be trying to do that in airports or any other public places. It is so important to be aware of your surroundings especially when your are unfamiliar with the area. It is also a good time to just look around and take everything in. When we are consumed with completeing a task, we sometimes miss out on the experience in front of us. Glad you were able to get your work accomplished despite the setback.

[@WildBikerBill]

Editing in public is a public announcement "I have expensive stuff".

[@gilean6179]

You just need to blend in. Not be the target.

[@americantrollfilm]

when you are a youtuber.. u need to make sure everyone knows.. and gotta EDIT to get the clips out.... to keep the subs... ahahahahahahhahahahahahahahaha

[@IsaLang]

Seriously, agreed to not editing in public.. He got comfy and thought he could do that abroad in public places. You are always going to be a target if you're a foreigner cuz locals can tell. And airtags is not really preventive.

[@samueljames9015]

@@alb.4089 he was travelling from Rome to Venice

[@subjectifobjectif]

I'm currently in Paris, & this is a great reminder of how vigilant you have to be. So sorry for you man.

[@dirkcornelis5708]

Paris to brussels thalys is a dangerous line for theft too!

[@laws1414]

I lock my think tank roller derby with a cable to my seat or a post. I know it’s not the thickest cable and lock but it would slow a thief down or maybe they would chose someone else’s bag. They certainly couldn’t grab and run.

[@mauraece]

Was it you? Did you steal Manny stuff? 😂

[@guyprolly]

Paris wasn't always like that.

[@subjectifobjectif]

@guyprolly to be honest, the part of Paris I was in felt very safe. The people were great too.

[@LarryLMelton]

Manny, I, too, have law enforcement experience, and based on old cases, I feel relatively confident about how this happened. The person you spoke about watching you did that for the specific reason to gain your attention. He knew that staring long and hard would divert your attention to him. Outside the train, when he was on the phone, he told his accomplice that your attention was on him and not on your bag. By your admission, you were at the point of being angry and mentally saying, “Can I help you?” “What do you want?” etc. When he was sure your attention was diverted, his partner swooped in and snatched the bag. I’ve watched videos illustrating how quickly a thief can get your stuff. One video showed pickpockets working together to distract an older man who held his expensive camera body tightly while the thief unscrewed his 70-200 lens and disappeared. All without the man realizing. Larry from Texas (aka LFT)

[@Mikri90]

Ah yes, I remember that video. The old trick with a bunch of "tourists" ganging up on someone, putting a map over the camera/lens and asking for directions, so it shields the view from someone else twisting the lens off. By the time the guy noticed it already switched like 4 hands.

[@LarryLMelton]

@@Mikri90 Teddy Roosevelt famously said, "Speak softly, but carry a big stick." Today's woke world encourages softness, but it has forgotten about the stick. Many a criminal's escapades have been ended by a bump on the noggin. Larry from Texas

[@Mikri90]

​@@LarryLMelton true, but I don't see how that applies here. It's not about not reacting in this case, but not knowing you should react. The point of the video (and the already mention instructional videos) is that the victim wasn't even aware. I am sure most people would react in one way or another if they knew they were being actively robbed. The lack of reaction was prompted by lack of awareness.

[@LarryLMelton]

@@Mikri90 I don't wish for this to become a back-and-forth because I respect your viewpoint. Also, sometimes, I find myself giving advice when it isn't being solicited. It is one of the negatives of a type A personality. I empathize when someone is victimized, and I feel compelled to throw my two cents in. You are correct, Manny is former law enforcement, and by his words is hypervigilant. It wasn't a reaction problem but a failure to know he was being double-teamed. My statement about carrying a big stick was more political, and I should have refrained from expressing my viewpoint, even if I believed it was valid. It did not pertain to the video Manny made, but it did allow me to vent about an ancillary issue, for which the doctor said I am doing much better. So, Mea culpa, Larry from Texas

[@303badassboxer]

You never let go of gear in unfamiliar places. Editing on the train made you a mark.

[@kcidd12]

yep little brother switch got stolen in Europe

[@Samurai63864]

So obvious.

[@MichaelRoachWV]

Even on domestic flights, my bag stays under my seat with my feet touching it.

[@OfficialKeithInTexas]

This

[@morpheusthyrux]

I always make sure that my hand is entwined literally on the bag sling especially in Italy while traveling

[@efreutel]

I had my camera stolen from me by hotel staff in Florence. Filed a police report and hired a attorney in Rome; it took a full year to recover my $$. I was lucky. So sorry for your huge loss.

[@youtubinganonymous2]

Can I ask hoe they did it? Was it from a Rucksack or your suitcase?

[@JensMowatt]

I'm sorry to hear that this happened to you. I had $8000 of my camera gear stolen a couple years ago (and I was assaulted by a group of 5-6 teenagers, which deviated my septum). I now keep airtags hidden in my bag at all times (and fixed to my camera w/ a smallrig cage) and I make sure not to go anywhere where I could be alone with my gear. It was devastating at the time, but has made me a lot more careful and responsible with my gear in the long run.

[@efreutel]

Pardon me, but what is a “small rig cage” for a camera?

[@JensMowatt]

It's a cage for an airtag, made by Smallrig.@@efreutel

[@kushaalprasad2178]

​@@efreutelcage to.add extra mounts etc

[@WS-bk7uu]

Sounds terrible, hope you didn't get too badly hurt!

[@Damon_Mah]

@@efreutelSmallrig is a camera accessory maker that makes custom fit metal cages that go around your camera to attach multiple accessories like microphones, bigger screens, tripods, external batteries, flashes, and even AirTags, etc.

[@wallystellmacher6794]

The same happened to me as well. The criminals work in groups, mostly three people. One is starring at you all the time. That makes you feel uncomfortable and distracts you from your environment and your belongings. You are just focused on him and lose contact to your belongings. And at the right time another guy goes for it and steal your belongings. There is also a third person, mostly a woman who is observing the whole situation and follows you after the robbery. In case you ask for the police, she joins in and gives you wrong directions.

[@ClaudioDesideriFilms]

From an Italian fellow filmmaker living in UK, this story breaks my heart. On top of that, knowing that it happened on the train from Rome (my home city) makes me even more sorry. I am absolutely gutted for this terrible experience Manny. On behalf of any Italian video maker and photographer who has learned so much thanks to your videos, I sincerely apologise and we are close to you in spirit. Italy is much more than this and although there is a stereotype about robbers and pickpocketing (like in every major touristic city in the world, after all) I reckon you have been very unlucky. Therefore, please don't let these bad guys ruin the image you have of Italy and don't hesitate to come back and discover other many beauties that this Country has to offer. And simply next time, as anywhere else abroad, keep your bags very very close to you :) A big hug!

[@craigman7262]

Do they allow guns in Italy?

[@ClaudioDesideriFilms]

@craigman7262 I don't understand the reason behind this question. Despite my perplexity, this is what you find if you Google this question: "All licenses in Italy allow the holder to purchase and own any and all types of firearms as long as they are legal to transport them (unloaded, separate from ammunition, and in a locked container) anywhere on the national territory at any given time with no territorial restrictions." And also: "Gun owners make up about 5% of Italy's population." Amongst hundreds of people I know in Italy, I personally never met anyone owning a gun.

[@craigman7262]

@@ClaudioDesideriFilms So one can travel in peace. Hence I asked.

[@ClaudioDesideriFilms]

@craigman7262 Ok, I get you. Yes, you definitely can in Italy. I never saw anyone with a gun or any sort of weapon in 39 years of life :)

[@Reviews4fun1]

It probably wasn’t “An Italian” who did the robbery.

[@AdrianBacon]

This is why I have insurance. I'm in the SF Bay Area and have been robbed of my gear/equipment *multiple times*. It's gotten to the point that I almost exclusively shoot in my studio only (which has also been burglarized multiple times) and will only shoot at select outdoor locations where I know I have some modicum of security, and over the years, those places have whittled down to next to nothing. Clients ask all the time to shoot at well known locations, and I always have to explain to them that I just simply don't shoot there any more because the last x number of times I've shot there, I've lost equipment to thieves. As much as I'd love to have the latest and greatest equipment, I've also combated this a little bit by simply having and using the least expensive equipment I can get away with for the type of work I do, and buy it used. I've been able to have the same equipment budget, but instead of one or two copies, I can have three or more copies of everything I need, and keep at least two copies off site at a different location so when the inevitable theft happens, I can very quickly recover and keep the paid work moving. This has actually had a silver lining, as it's made me realize that what clients see isn't the same thing that you see as the photographer and super basic entry level equipment that doesn't cost a lot is totally fine for the vast majority of the time. Over the last few years I've never once had a client complain about the images they got because I shot it with a body and lens that cost less than $1000. 99%+ of the time they don't even know what I'm shooting them with because I tape over all my equipment with black gaffers tape to reduce the equipment/brand name visibility envelope and thus reduce the chance that somebody will try to steal it. That's allowed me to get my equipment down to the minimum features and functionality set that I have to have, and make do with that. You'd be amazed at how little actual gear you need to be creative and make great pictures.

[@cre8tivity06]

I remember seeing a story on ABC News and they showed a wedding photographer who was out at a well know place get robbed in the middle of his shoot in broad daylight with other people around. Took all his gear at gun point! That is just insane!!!

[@AdrianBacon]

@@cre8tivity06 Yep. As much as I'd like to say that is the exception, the fact of the matter is, that is normal. If you have anything that looks even remotely professional, it'll get taken from you, usually at knife or gun point. The best thing to do is just give it up and let them leave because they have no problem with putting you down. This is what insurance is for. I can get the equipment back, but I can't get my life back.

[@cre8tivity06]

@@AdrianBacon that’s true and scary but you are absolutely right.

[@alejandroarredondo1997]

You know now I’m thinking I won’t sell my older gear I upgraded from. It will stay at home as an emergency backup in case the worst happens while insurance kicks in!!

[@Battlem0nk]

@@alejandroarredondo1997 Your phone is the new backup strategy just like Manny realized.

[@caravanlifenz]

I had my laptop and camera gear stolen in Auckland, New Zealand. I locked my things in the car and sat outside the car on a picnic table having lunch when a big Pacific Island dude came up and smashed out the car window and grabbed my bags. No one around helped or cared. I still have nightmares about it all the time.

[@gilean6179]

Wow. NZ.Only Japan is safe. Everytime we hopped off our tour bus, some expensive bags and im sure with valuables were left in the bus while we did some sight seeing but thankfully no items were ever stolen or lost.

[@craigman7262]

@@gilean6179 island folks rude asf

[@gilean6179]

my friend from school forgot her Iphone in a touristy temple in Japan...later in the afternoon she went back and no had touched the iphone. She did not even had to go to the Lost & Found office.

[@slapyoknees2426]

what kind of a car were you driving? a sedan or an suv whose boot has windows and can have the items stored in it seen from the outside?

[@soothingsoundvideos]

It was a tag team operation. I was robbed of my gear once too. I also thought i was the most vigilant person alive when it comes to gear, but the thieves were two guys. One distracted me while the other grabbed my Leica and laptop. They were gone in a split second without me realizing.

[@marius.ardereanu]

usually , they are more than 2 : the one who distracts 1 , the one who steals 2 , the one who leave the place with your stuff 3 .i lost my phone that way

[@guystokes454]

Dang

[@Jparkss]

Moral of the story, there is always gonna be someone that will be able to finesse you no matter how alert or physically trained you are. It happens to the best of us even at our best peak.

[@Andrew-3445]

It's sad that people pull out all the stops and make stealing their career. That's why people always warn you to stay vigilant when traveling as many of the tourism based economies are extremely low paying jobs where many think they have to resort to robbing the tourists as their career.

[@justin555666]

I sometimes wrap my backpack around my arm or the chair to make it more difficult for someone to steal. I’ve gotten pretty relaxed lately and your story reminds me bad people may strike at any time. Glad to hear insurance came through for you!

[@syborn1]

Very sorry to hear this Manny. I'm from Chicago IL. also and have been a victim of scams and robberies. When I'm out in public places with my gear like an airport or train and even restaurants and cafe's, I don't even take out my cell phone much less my computer. You have to just focus on your surroundings and leave the editing for when you are in a safe private place/space. Glad you had insurance that covered the theft. Let this be a lesson to everyone and that it could happen to the best of us. Thanks brother.

[@LMProductions99]

That guy on the train definitely marked you. Made a call to let his group know that you're the next target. The group that came in was there to distract you, while one person grabs your bag and leaves with the crowd. When traveling abroad, even traveling in the United States, it's very important to never stand out. Because there's always someone watching you, and watching what you have. A discreet bag that doesn't scream camera bag is ideal. And it's not smart to take any of your camera equipment out of your bag, or your laptop. Because once people know that there's thousands of dollars worth of stuff in your bag, then you'll become a target.

[@Greatblakhoosh]

Couldn't agree more. Whipping out the laptop made him stand out

[@ericvaleraphotography27]

Exact,i've seen them do it

[@OOTheBlueAir]

how would they know it was his bag_?? only way is if they followed him there, or if he was going into it on the trip. and if you have 16000k in gear in your mid size bag, ??? have it between or under your feet at the seat? you got lucky with the insurance, tbh you should not have gotten anything, as it was outside, and on the train. imo

[@Greatblakhoosh]

@@OOTheBlueAir lol, Manny said the bag was right next to him. lol

[@OOTheBlueAir]

@@Greatblakhoosh well it was across the pathwalk inside the train if you listen to his story, I know its around 1 to 1.5 meter way but that not right next to him, if he was not inside the bag , they have to have known it was his before the train ride, and ithnk thats very possible he got followed from before the train, cause he was see with alot of gear making his videos, somewhere on the trip.

[@TouchLifeStudio]

Sorry to hear that Manny. I appreciate you sharing this with this us and reminding us to be vigilant when out and about with camera gear. My 3 key takeaways: 1. Insurance. 2. Keep camera gear near you (hand through backpack strap) and 3. AirTags.

[@kernzilla]

likewise, think a lot of photogs underestimate the power of airtags and cannot echo that enough. id have a hard time going on trip like that without 2x airtags on primary bag. smallrig and other gear companies have come up with soo many clever airtag implementations, makes it extremely tricky for them to be discovered by thiefs after the fact. (for those reading this looking to implement, also research airtag speaker mods for extra protection)

[@luiscruz0530]

@@kernzilla My backpack has Apple AirTags, but can you give me some example what you actually would do ? Do Police chase the AirTag locations? Do you go by yourself?

[@eleven24]

Walked with you and Joe Edelman at OOC years ago and Joe is the reason I got and still have PPA. So happy to hear it got you your gear back! As for the AirTags, I have two of them in my camera carryon. One I have taped to the bottom of the case with black gaffer tape so it's virtually impossible to see. The other I keep on a keychain type AirTag holder that is dangling off the zipper of the bag. I figure if someone steals the bag, they'll rip off the visible AirTag not knowing there's another one hidden inside the bag

[@pistolpete6114]

I really feel for you. Anytime I go out with my cameras, drones anything of value; I keep the bag between my legs with hand in one of the loops or a D ring on my belt/beltloop attached to the bag. I have one of those things attached to the bag at all times. I also try and sit away from the aisle and the bag is between me and the "wall" of the plane, train etc. I plan that if someone wants the bag it's going to have to go through me to reach the aisle.

[@christopherbrockington]

One thing I always do is keep my bag in front of me at all times. And it's always attached to my body. Whether I'm holding it or it's tethered to be with a Peak Design strap and anchor.

[@RyoHazuki224]

Handcuff it to you, like bankers do with a briefcase full of money haha!

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

Lesson to learn is: always study the country that you're traveling to. Italy for example is like the capital of pickpockets. In Japan it's not an issue at all but in pretty much every other country I'm always assuming that some people are going to try to steal my stuff. The closer to the body, the less likely it is going to be stolen, so if you have a lot of money, put it like under the shirt in a small bag that has physical contact with your body. If a robber wants it, they will have to enter that area. If it's a bag, good idea not just to have it close to you, but to have it always in contact with you, in a way that if someone takes it, it will pull your arm or leg.

[@johnyoung1606]

My camera bag literally (AROUND MY WAIST n OVER MY SHOULDER)STRAPPED &(CAMERAS)short neck straps n med length wrist leash) to Me at ALL TIMES !!!

[@CrazieAsianBoi]

You haven't been to Rio...

[@g0ld3nb]

good advice there, would indeed help in most situations, except perphaps when a blade or scisors are used to stealthily cut through fabric straps or pockets (I've heard it happens in some places) :(

[@indigoinarritu6096]

I agree. I put my bag on the floor and then place my leg through the straps. If that is not possible and there is a seat empty next to me I put my arm through the strap.

[@Games_and_Tech]

You have not been in Chile

[@rumrill5020]

Around here (SF/Oakland/Richmond), smash and grabs are common at stoplights, in traffic, etc. I also don’t generally carry pricey gear around. This is a reminder that I will need to be vigilant while traveling in Europe this year, too.

[@cogmission1]

I feel for you. That feeling of violation is a HUGE hurdle to mentally get yourself over - I get it. Thank you for sharing your experience and being open enough to warn others to stay away from this type of violation. Thanks for being BIG enough to extend yourself as you do. Sorry that happened.

[@tommydaynjer5334]

A tip I do when I have to set the bag down and not keep it in front of me is to wrap the strap around my arm, waist, or leg so if someone lifts it it will pull on that body part and make me aware. Any leash kind of thing to attach to yourself is at least something helpful

[@TomasRamoska]

One of my favourite wedding photographers had a workshop in Italy. He was taking pictures with a big group of photographers. Someone tried to steal one of the student's gear but luckily they managed to catch him and call the police.

[@creativevisiongaming]

Never let go of your bag, I've had this happen to me in the U.S. right before a wedding, luckily I had an extra backup camera not in my bag, and almost had my laptop stolen in Amsterdam.

[@dlpro619]

You should get a small cable lock as a deterrent like the ones built in the pac safe bags. Maybe PM and Nomadic might work together to add that to their next collab bag.

[@DoItJesusWay]

Bro these thieves have such a skill, sadly people have to suffer from this! Thank God you are able to get your gear back, I couldn't get stuff that I lost back but very happy you were able to get it back. Thank you for sharing your testimony on this. Hopefully you had blank memory cards and didn't lose anything on them. Im sorry to hear that this happened! I remember back in April 2020 when my Dad died of Covid at the Hospital and some thieve stole his belongings, gold chain, gold earring and his gold graduation ring for his bachelors in accounting degree. I know I could never get that back, so it hurts a lot but knowing some employee that worked at the hospital would do that, it just shows how thieves are. I subscribed!

[@g00nther]

My God! That's terrible. Did you file a police report? What was the response from the hospital?

[@Jcrescent1]

As a person who lives in an area where people are desperate and personal theft is at an all time high, this is a good reminder that vigilance is key and insurance coverage on your gear is so important. Anybody who travels with gear needs to be insured.

[@robertdiggs4859]

That’s messed up man. People just suck sometimes smh

[@FilTrip]

Been there a few times. I’ve definitely learned my lesson. They work as I group. Misdirection is their game.

[@FunkyNige]

Yeah, remember they do this for a living so are good at what they do.

[@redesignedlife777]

They be at home practicing with each other like they doing Oceans 11.

[@glatznatureproductions]

Agree thinking the staring guy was there to distract while partner grabbed the bag.

[@mikni4069]

Yes they typically work in pairs, the other theft is mainly opportunistic theft and easily avoided. The other require an eye on your surroundings and always close at hand with your valuables, use carabiners if you have too.

[@aussie2uGA]

My worst experience was kids. Lots of children with hands everywhere. You don’t have a chance at that point.

[@mediatrends3605]

I’ve been a long time PPA member and it is worth every penny! I drive around the city, taking photos of luxury homes, as well as rehabs, ranches, the ghetto… I’m not taking any chances if anything happens to my gear I know I’m covered! glad it was just gear Manny that stuff can always be replaced, just glad you’re OK bro! 😊

[@MichaelRoachWV]

I’m under PPA as well, it also helps that I live in WV, we have certain rights that don’t apply in other states too 😂

[@walterpfister7966]

This video shook me slightly. I am going to Greece and Italy in a couple months with camera gear. Is it worth to get PPA as just a hobbyist?

[@MichaelRoachWV]

@@walterpfister7966 depends on the value of your kit. If you have a homeowner’s policy, you can usually add an “Inland Marine” policy. The downside is, it’s a major pita. You have to submit receipts, photos, lens serial numbers, etc and list, or as they call it “schedule” every piece of gear

[@praya1]

@@MichaelRoachWVwhats your cost roughly for PPA? I carry about 10K worth of equip in my bag.

[@rawbbingmysellph7464]

@@walterpfister7966 As a Greek i can tell you that these types of things are not a "trend" here... Indeed, sh!t happens here like in every country but i guess it's not that commont as folks in Italy suggest. Be of course as careful as you can be! I can not speak about Italy though..

[@AndrejsZavadskis]

what was the brend of bag ? often robbers see logo and understand what is inside. other why dont put apple airtag or galaxy tag in this bag ???

[@rjonesphotography2281]

Avoid the camera bags with the brands logo, never work in public, that's what your hotel/room is for , never leave your gear in a car.

[@nomadsam9512]

Recently came back from Italy. I think the general rule is that if someone has shifty, restless eyes at the train station or on a train, that's a pick pocket. I'm sorry you lost your gear.

[@BerlsMcSquirrels]

I got my video camera stolen in Italy during the 2006 Olympics. We were on our way to the closing ceremony and someone pickpocketed it right out of my coat pocket while on a bus. Now I always keep one hand on my valuables at all times when traveling.

[@Photogopinion]

I learnt one lesson many years ago when I was on assignment in Milan and my camera bag (and all my Nikon gear) was stolen at the airport. Don’t put a lot of expensive kit in a case that looks as though it’s made expressly for a lot of expensive camera kit if you can’t keep it very close to you when travelling. The second is keep photos of each item and their serial numbers: not that that will necessarily help the police get them back, or put off post-theft second-hand buyers, but it can make insurance claims a bit smoother. And, if you’re reporting a theft, you need confirmation from the police (a ‘crime number’ in the UK) or the insurance company might not accept the claim. (I couldn’t report my loss in Milan: the Polizia were having a long lunch, and the office was closed until well after my flight home left. . .)

[@jerrygrady6480]

It sucks but I wouldn't carry expensive equipment with me to other countries instead carry subpar gear. I believe you can still get good quality images from something 5 years older plus I'm not giving the perpetrators a chance to make a profit off of my stuff

[@PeakedHill]

Milan is the pickpocket capital of Italy… the city is overrun with gypsies… I was accosted by 6 or so kids, 12-15 year olds, just outside my hotel waiting for a cab, fortunately the doorman came to my rescue

[@zerospecs2331]

@@jerrygrady6480 Exactly. A lot of photographers have multiple cameras and gear to choose from. You don't have to bring your most expensive equipment with you. Or all of it.

[@svaeon]

As an European, trust me, Italy isn't the country it was or Americans think it was. Its poor, very poor lately and people sell even sausages in gas stations... happened to me few months ago while i was putting gas in my car when in vacay... I almost shit myself, seeing one guy coming with sausages looking like some long knife or sword... directly to me in gas station... Bro trying to make a money, he wasnt paid and he stole from his boss... i was even more shocked after his confession... Italy is bad place to be...

[@taylor1038]

Its crazy, i left my bag on the train in Japan and somebody left it at the next stop and I got it back no issue and the train staff were super helpful despite the language barrier. Going to Italy seems terrible.

[@stanobert3475]

I am very sorry that this happened to you. This is a miserable experience! I had my cars stolen twice and even my $6,000 pair of hearing aids. Fortunately, everything was covered by insurance. I lived on borrowed time not insuring my photo gear until I insured my gear a few years ago. We feel your pain, but we appreciate your message about being vigilant.

[@icl5634]

As a train driver I can say that it happens all the time. One guy is distraction, the other one takes the goods. That's the way they do it. They distract you, ask you what stop it is or even knock on the window when standing outside of the train. Meanwhile an accomplice takes your stuff behind your back. Thieves slide in your coat pockets or even crawl underneath your seat to take what they want. That's today's world, unfortunately. Anyhow, keep the spirit alive and never stop smiling! Life's too short! 👍😉 And there's a lot of good people on the planet too!

[@uaebifvideo5472]

EXACTLY!!👍🏼

[@spotnews4102]

if I was travelling with that kind of equipment then i might follow some of the examples here. I would teather my bag to a solid stucture. i would teather it to my person. i always get someone I know to put their foot in the loop. I got picked up at a model agency, stayed two days and without warning I escaped in the night. I have been invited home and even asked to watch someone elses bag. Its sometimes a game for a good theft. I was in Torino fourty years ago and lost pocket filters at a church by young theives with cardboard messages. I was on an overnight trian to Paris and a girl got into bed with me and cryed she had no money for the ticket. Dont trust anyone escpecially out of money Americans. I was sitting at a cafe in Barcelona when a man ran by and then a crowd of people, I turn to my friend and said, marathon?, she replied, no thief. The next day I returned with some crazy glue and an old cell phone to see if we could catch someone. We glued the phone to the table and waited. I saw a movie once, not sure where but the guy after being pickpocket on the bus inserted a rat trap into the pocket of his jacket. Not sure i have the time for that but these days a GPS can work as well, or start vacationing in safer places. I got robbed once and my condo insurance refused to pay for any loss. I think you need a camera equipment guard/tour guide/camera club. local help. When I visited Lima the last time, I use two army friends to watch my back. Maybe the expensive equipment is an overkill? maybe just bad luck?

[@vitalis]

Being from Europe I’m not surprised. For people visiting you just gonna remember this: when you sit at a cafe or anywhere always your bag on your lap or on the floor between your legs, when you are walking always have your bag in front of you with the hand on the strap, this way you signal to them you are not the easy target they are looking for. Don’t walk around with loads of cash, we use bank cards and mobile pay for everything.

[@dominey]

This sounds like a classic distraction job. Similar thing happened to me in a Paris train station, where one guy came up to me and started asking weird questions. I sensed something was up, turned to right, and another guy had his hands on my bag. When we made eye contact he let go and they ran off.

[@Andrew-3445]

Yeah, would be perfect if someone gets you staring back wondering why you're staring and calling someone about you meanwhile someone in the seat behind you drags your bag under the seat without you even noticing. That's why my bag stays in the seat with me and is wrapped around me. It does not touch the floor or not be wrapped around me. These people are trying to be the Michael Jordan of stealing. Their survival depends on it.

[@richardzelinka9411]

So sorry to hear about this. I travel solo and take trains in Europe frequently. A year ago I took the train from Rome to Venice for Carnival. I've read about the thefts on the trains and the guys who case the trains and observed one of these guys on the train to Venice, so I always take the following precautions (1) I travel with the smallest bags possible, (2) I never put my bag on the common luggage rack by the train door, (3) as I have a personal bag and a photo gear bag, I keep the smaller one on in my lap and the larger one in the rack above my head but in front of me so it's in my field of vision at all times, (4) if the rack allows for it, I tie the bag to the rack so it can't be easily grabbed, (5) I take both bags with me if I have to leave my seat for any reason. Of course, nothing is infallible and committed thieves can distract you in all kinds of way (I was pickpocketed that way on a train in France), but these precautions seem about the most one can do short of chaining your bag to your wrist and sitting on it.

[@MaunoKoivistoOfficial]

Sorry to hear this. When I, like many young Europeans, did the whole Europe-by-rail thing, I was sure to always lock my bag to a luggage rack when I was forced to use one.

[@ogonzilla]

Damn. We were there at the same time. Thank you for sending me that heads up as I'm always distracted. Important for you to share...

[@NishantTravelTalesx]

The same thing happened to me in Switzerland. Ant it left you hopelessly shell shocked.. and the police there is also like we can't help.. its soul stirring experience in a bad way..

[@Zの黙示録]

Gutted to hear that you had to gone through this...but at the same time I now realize how safe my home country is(Japan). In fact there were multiple times I've forgot my bag, wallet, or other saffs in public spaces but literally none of them were lost, instead I was able to recover them in the end one way or another.

[@clabart]

I'm really sorry for what happened to you. I am from Rome, a lover of photography and knowing disreputable places I avoid them, especially the train station but it could also happen to me in a place considered safe. I use my backpack-crammed equipment on my shoulders and the handheld camera with a buckle. The mode of theft described is typical of working in pairs with another person or with multiple accomplices. They are methods adopted by South American criminal gangs that unfortunately abound in Italy. Two tips I can give you: 1) don't be distracted by strangers near you, this applies anywhere in the world; 2) record the serial numbers of your photographic equipment that must be communicated, in case of theft, to their manufacturers and the police. Better to have the gps tags to find the missing luggage. Regarding the footage of the security cameras on the trains it is not possible to have them in a short time because the train travels continuously and then the request takes its bureaucratic time with the management of the railway company. Instead, with regard to thefts in hotels, most of them occur due to external thieves who enter hotels, even those of 5 stars; I always use the safe to store valuables. Good luck.

[@marcus79nyc]

Expensive gear always needs to be insured with worldwide coverage.

[@johnw.3636]

Yup

[@rumporridge1]

@@AIP404wow. Then one would need a throw away set up. Good enough but if you get jacked then no biggie.

[@nethbt]

How exactly do you prove theft? I mean you could easily hide your gear in the attic or in your cousin's house, yeah in other words, INSURANCE FRAUD

[@nicomedialife]

Manny, great reminder. Love your Work been following you for years. I’m also in law-enforcement and I’m trying to make the transition full-time. I didn’t realize that you were law-enforcement until just recently lol. Wish you were in Southern California and we could hook up. Learned a lot from you. Continue the great work my guy.

[@eksmaan]

Bro. Sucks to have gone through that. That happened to me in 2018 just after Photokina. I was robbed of my new Mac, cameras, and ALL of my footage from the event. And my clothes. I had to buy clothes once we got to Belgium. Me and Rob Hall hustled to get back to Utrecht and it was a lost cause. Had a beer and got over it. Still had my main Fujifilm kit and a Mavic, passports and cash so it wasn't terrible. Helps to have a dope travel mate (thanks Rob! 100%) Definitely glad to have insurance but ill never get my content back. So many people got lifted on that ride. The cops couldn't do anything BUT get the reports. It'll help when you claim. Be easy man!

[@fredro833]

Robbed at gun point or stole your things when you weren’t looking or there?

[@eksmaan]

@@fredro833 I wasn't stuck up for anything; the best way IMO. A lot of people on my same car had their belongings lifted too. Some worse; passports, cash, etc. Sucked :(

[@fredro833]

@@eksmaan damn bro I hate to hear that. Smdh why can’t ppl just leave others ppls $h!t alone..

[@eksmaan]

@@fredro833 Yeah man, it put a strain on the rest of the trip for sure. Man honestly, I’d take that experience over a being stuck or clubbed for my belongings any and every day of the year. I was paying TOO much attention to my bag and marked myself. The last leg from Utrecht is like 30mins. Ain’t no way we here going to get back to the same location and track my bag. We tried but it was a lost cause. So, a beer then a train ride back to Amsterdam 😂. Made the report, finished my trip. Tough lesson. Replaced my gear later after my claim. I travel MUCH lighter now and wear my pack in the front 💯

[@fredro833]

@@eksmaan FACTS, nothings worth getting any bodily injury or worse. Me and my fiancé are going to Europe in a few months. Is that ppa available to anyone? Or anything better out there?

[@charleslsmith2012]

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss of gear. The only thing you can do to avoid or minimize this from happening again is to have an assistant. Also stay off the computer in an busy hectic environment. People are clocking easy targets and unfortunately you got "got". Love your channel. Your great Bro. ✌🏾

[@frederickthephotographer6315]

Sorry to hear this Man. I'm glad you had PPA. I'm also glad to hear your story because I too travel a lot with my gear. I know I have fallen asleep and move my foot off of my camera bag, luckily it was still there. I will look into some of these ways to protect my stuff. Some of the people here have given good advise. Even with PPA I'm sure you were pissed off, because when I lose anything I'm mad, so when it's taken I'm on another level. Glad to hear you recovered almost 100% I look forward to seeing the news and hearing how some guys got caught in the act and got #%@ked up!

[@jonathanellis5811]

One small thing that can help is making your bag stand out. I know a lot of people say “oh this LOOKS like a camera bag filled with thousands of dollars worth of gear inside” but getting something that deliberately stands out makes thieves less likely to snatch it and more likely for you to notice it out of the corner of your eye if someone’s walking away with it. A friend if mine rolls around with a bright orange pelican case. One time he was talking to someone on the street, and as he turned his back, someone casually walked off with it. He only realized the case had been stolen because he saw someone walking in the distance with a bright orange pelican and did the math. I assume you won’t like this option, so a nice compromise would be to exchange your zipper pull tabs for bright neon colors. I’ve seen a lot of black suitcases, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a black suitcase with bright yellow neon zipper pull tabs. Again, it makes it stand out. One other thing: as many others have said, looking down at your computer on the train made you an easy mark. There was a study done by (I think it was) the FBI several years ago, where they asked violent criminals which people they’d pick as victims for robbery, rape, and assault/murder. They found that, with 100% consistency, that these violent criminals would NOT choose targets that looked confident, like they knew where they were going, looked alert, and were walking upright - men, women, young, old, fit, fat - whatever - 100% of the time they avoided people that looked “local” and competent. So anytime I’m someplace foreign (I.e.: any place I’m not deeply familiar with like a different neighborhood, city, state, or country) I’m intentional about not being on my phone, keeping my head on a swivel, and at least looking like I know where I’m going. I think finding a hidey hole to tuck an air tag into is a great idea too.

[@caravanlifenz]

I've heard the same thing. When I took a psychology class at university, the textbook said women who were confident and fit/strong looking with good posture and a determined walking gait were less likely to chosen as targets by rapists.

[@jonathanellis5811]

@@caravanlifenz isn’t that sad?

[@ldaw7208]

I attach my luggage to the luggage rack when possible with a bag strap or clips, it's basic but avoids/prevents quick theft

[@bruh-qi7ue]

When people stare, they analyse things, abroad is more common for everyone to judge and analyse

[@WorthyofLove_29]

So Sorry to Hear this! My Heart hurts for you & I can sense the anger & pain in your voice. My Biggest Fear is Stolen gear! 🙏🏻 So Glad you got your gear restored!

[@CorettaBilly]

Sorry Manny! The great thing is you didn’t lose your life and wasn’t robbed a gun point. May not seem like a blessing but it definitely is. I read a story of a guy being robbed in New York. The guy went to a sunset and there were guys there watching him. They followed him back to his house and robbed him at gun point. Took his gear and jetted. The guy proceeded after them, followed them and almost lost his life. You walked away with no gear but walked away with your life. Gear can be replaced but your life cannot. That’s the blessing in it! Be blessed ! 😊🙏🏽📷. Be sober and vigilant for the adversary is seeking whom he may devour.

[@jackoz6818]

Hi Manny, i’m sorry to hear that I’ve got expensive lenses and 4 cameras. i have 7 Airtags hidden in my all bags from 2021. As soon as any bag away from my i got the Notification on my phone. I was told that i have OCD by my friends and family. I don’t really care about what they think. I feel more comfortable moving with my gears and lenses wherever i go

[@brianruizy]

if they were to steal it don't Airtag's alert nearby iPhones that there is an AirTag following them?

[@jackoz6818]

@@brianruizy if the AirTag move away from me. I would get a Notification on my iPhone that i can track it

[@lorrettaclarke7430]

I live near Sf Bay area. The theft here has gone nuts. I agree with Dwoalin that the guy was a distraction and they work in teams. I had my wallet stolen in sf when a woman distracted me and a guy lifted me wallet. I did not see him. The police said that they are hard to find as they are a big group of people that swap and change partners and rent cars - kinda the same as wht nicola mentioned. I would add that I am from the UK and Paris and Rome were notorious 20 years ago for theft. The problem is travelling in trains and buses is a problem with large bags are you have to use the racks near the doors as there isn't enough room on the racks above the seats or underneath. Its a problem. Thanks for posting, it is always good to be reminded of these a.holes. In future I intend only to carry minimal equipment and put it in my carry on - sad days. I lie the idea of some sort of lock as 4ldz does. I do think that camera manufacturers should do a better of job of somehow enabling the user to disable the camera when it is stolen. Its not rock science to do that - then maybe camera owners will not be a target.

[@jwleemedia]

That really sucks, Manny! So sorry you had to experience that. I remember travelling in Italy back in the 90's when I was in the Military and they briefed us a lot on these types of things. Thank goodness for PPA! I was hoping to see you at Imaging USA this past weekend. I have the Peak Design 45L bag,it has two secret pockets on the sides. I put an Air Tag in one, and a Samsung Tag in the other. Chances are the thief only has one of the two devices and my only be able to find one of the tags leaving the other for me to track the bag, and usually they wouldn't think to check the bag for additional tags after finding one. Hope that helps and I hope to see you at Imaging USA in Texas next year!

[@davrosmusic]

I"m so sorry this happened to you! As someone who lived in Italy for 3 months last year, I have a few observations. First, don't leave your bag in the luggage rack near the doors. Put it over your head, in the seat next to you, or on the floor in front of you (where you are sitting) if any of those are an option. Second, Italians don't usually stare. They tend to be focused on their day to day, and less about social interaction. Red flag if someone watches you. Third, downsize your luggage if at all possible. I have learned to carry my gear in a standard backpack, (not a photo bag) with only one body, and two-three lenses. It draws less attention and you can keep it in your lap or on the floor at your feet. Nothing is fool proof when traveling anywhere, but this has worked for me. Safer travels in the future and keep up your amazing work!

[@SimplyFernando]

Bummer man! Shout out to PPA for coming through. That's why its so important to put insurance on your gear. So inexpensive too! Keep pumping out quality content bro

[@Tonellacam]

4 pack of AirTags = 100$

[@extendedfilmproject6789]

Man, this just burns me up!! Some people are just pure evil and beyond sick!!!!!!!!

[@Cubrunwildlife]

My general rule, when in Southern Europe two things I tend to avoid: no public transportation and no credit cards use! It’s hard but it can be done!

[@wiandryadiwasistio2062]

can you elaborate on ‘no credit cards use’ one? i think it’s interesting

[@praya1]

What do you mean ‘no credit cards use’?

[@phill5917]

@@praya1 Skimmers.. scams etc.

[@Cubrunwildlife]

@@wiandryadiwasistio2062skimmers of course. Some unscrupulous car rental companies would decide to charge some crazy amount claiming you damaged their vehicle !

[@Cubrunwildlife]

@@praya1skimmers.

[@ErikCooperPhoto]

Thank you for going back through this event Mr Ortiz. Everyone can learn from this. My photography club is catching it in our daily posts right now. PPA all the way.

[@relentlesskrugs]

Sorry for the ordeal. My go to solution when I'm traveling is to have a local by my side: like hire a technical assistant for the day. Maybe with your networks you would have gotten a referral "intern", "shoot assistant" to help carry your bags, watch over your stuff as you work. I know sometimes you're a one-man band, but as far you can, get someone to watch over your back as you plug yourself into work. But again, insurance is a must.

[@mondobytes]

Sorry to hear about that brother, gear insurance is a must have! BTW You asked about suggestions, I actually made a video on the perfect anti-theft camera accessories, it's on the channel if you want to take a look. Lots of great little accessories that can help detract people from stealing your gear or also recover it.

[@Luke-dk4ei]

Title? Failed to find it unfortunately. Thank you

[@mondobytes]

@@Luke-dk4ei "The PERFECT Anti-Theft Camera Accessories"

[@Luke-dk4ei]

@@mondobytes thank you, found it via google search. For some reason it didnt appear on the youtube search

[@lackoliver55]

​@@mondobytes spoiler alert, he said to paint all your gear pink and carry a cleaver.

[@carlosandreviana9448]

​@@mondobytes can't be found

[@p3rrypm]

Oh that’s Italy man. That stuff was sold in the public square of some small town and put in some guys shop window.

[@olgadekell]

Sorry to hear this, thanks for sharing this story with us 🙏

[@flyboyphotomedia]

Dang man, crazy how fast it happens! Former LEO here as well and I'm with you on the situational awareness etc,. but it still can happen to any of us! Glad you at least got it all replaced.

[@arhon888]

Sorry to hear that bro. Glad you were covered, and you managed to make the most of journey. Looks like the images still looked great.

[@hopeforthefuturesg]

Damn traveling alone as I speak with 2 Z9s a Z6ii, 5 Z lenses, a mavic pro 2 drone, easy rig stabil light, RS3 Pro, atomos monitor, Zoom F6, MacBook Pro and many accessories has me paranoid as shit since I started the journey a few days ago. Hence I’m east coast media creator based out of NY doing a few gigs in Tampa FL but still, traveling around the state all alone with a large 62in think tank suitcase, peak design backpack and even some gear in my carry on suitcase with a total weight of a little over 100lbs has been tough on me and having to leave all the gear in my rental car at a few stops had me checking my surrounding before getting out my car on a few occasions and even leaving gear in the hotel rooms and going out I feel is unsafe now. Seeing this video is icing the cake of even more caution and how quick shit can go down. Sorry this happened to you but thanks for the reminder on making this video. Stay up and many blessings

[@pierrelabat8999]

Never go to SF or Oakland area. After you use your gear you will be followed. After you park your car it will be broken into. Or your car may be broken into when your are stuck in traffic/red light.

[@hopeforthefuturesg]

@@pierrelabat8999 that’s wild man! Have to travel with a crew out there if I ever do.

[@iainm1594]

So sorry to hear about that. Unfortunately Europe, especially Italy and Spain, is full of this. That was standard distraction technique they did on you; the first guy checks you out and deliberately gets you watching him by freaking you out, then he calls his mate to grab your bag while you're still watching the first guy. They always work in pairs. The worst European cities for it are Rome and Barcelona but everywhere is pretty bad. The police won't do anything except give you advice for the future, they probably see a thousand incidents like this a day in Rome. Keep as low profile as you can to avoid being marked and always keep your eyes on your stuff not people around you.

[@rfestejo]

Sorry to hear this man. I think the guy that was eyeballing you was the distraction - especially when he was on his phone outside the window. I always have bags directly by my feet. Never trust public transport in Europe.

[@simonmaduxx6777]

I see these younger dudes with backpacks reversed on their chest. As Goofy as it looks it sounds like a very good idea when you're in Europe lol. Wallet in the back pocket also is a big no-no. Have a duplicate wallet also. I've heard years ago that Berlin London and other capitals were supreme professional pickpocket scenes. I'm not forgetting that lol

[@CrazieAsianBoi]

Try South America - Rio....

[@FABLE-76]

A few years back, when I was planning a trip to Europe, folks recommended using a point-and-shoot camera and swapping out the memory card every day just to be safe. Surprisingly, it seems the concerns about camera gear safety haven't improved much over time in some areas.

[@mibreit-photo]

Damn, what a story. Glad you got your stuff bag. PS: Air Tags or Android Tiles can be a life saver. Helped me get my luggage back on a trip to Morocco as it was lost during my flights. The people of the Airline didn't know where my luggage was until the day I left. Thankfully, I knew very well where it was - already at the airport. So I collected it and flew home.

[@hperez11]

Damm bro I lost 8k this last December.. so wack nothing covered .. hard lesson learned

[@MrClarkeGaber]

Had an accomplice.... Starimg problem guy was there to distract you.

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

Typical setup is 3 persons: 1 who distracts (that's the guy who kept looking at him), 1 who steals and then gets rid of the item, and 1 who collects the item from the 2nd person and leaves the premises completely unnoticed.

[@chucklachance7776]

Bro, I just got back yesterday from Paris and Rome and carried $10,000 worth of gear in my backpack. I have been to Europe countless times, but was so nervous that my gear would be stolen. Thankfully it was not. Be hyper vigilant. Keep your hand on your backpack at all times when moving around. Your gut feeling was right about that dude when he stared at you. When things like that happen, even slightly, latch onto your knapsack. Don't let people get near you in the street, and especially on public transportation. Makes me sick this happened to you. Insurance was a great choice. Love your podcasts. Be well.

[@DSFamilia]

Being robbed can truly violate one’s spirit. It’s unfortunate that you had to experience this however thank you for sharing. Your story may help protect someone else’s property in the future.

[@jordanxavr]

Sorry to hear that, bro. It sucks. I got got for about $10k worth of equipment in Portland in 2022, but had no insurance. Now im insured and airtagged up. Glad you were able to get everything back.

[@jennyelena]

Oof. This happened to me in Italy too. (And to a lot of people I know in France too). $5k worth of gear. Oh so painful and I felt violated. I also didn't have travel insurance. 🤦🏻‍♀️I left it covered, in a locked vehicle for about 5 min, someone must have watched me go inside the rest stop and immediately broke a window and stole my bag. 😣 Now I won't leave my valuables out of my sight and I have a tile tracker in all of them. Lessons learned: always keep your valuables on you and within sight, always travel with travel insurance, put trackers in your bags, AND have your camera/gear serial numbers written into the police report!

[@LucasHuang]

I travel with a Pelican case & whenever I get off the plane and into a rental car: - I have an AirTag in the case - Lock the case latches, - Use a cable w/ a lock to then tie the case to something in the car, usually like a bar or hooks in the back of the seat The cable & locks are pretty crappy, the TSA locks that can be cut with the right tools, but at least it'll prevent snatch & grabs and even if they get it out of the trunk it'll hopefully buy enough time to then track the airtag since the case itself is locked

[@Bladeclaw00100]

This is why I keep saying that camera manufacturers need to implement anti-theft security measures, such as password, fingerprint logins, swipe logins, Eletronic lens to camera registration access, and serial number detections, data encryption access, GPS tracking, proximity alarms, and remote alarms. This way people are less likely to attempt to steal your gear, and if they do, it would be very difficult to use, sell, and you can track it, find it, and set off an alarm to scare them away. There are so many security measures that can be implemented and not one is used for any gear. Manufacturers need to step up and address this situations and I just gave a bunch of possible solutions. The least you can do is put an air tag in your case to track it's location. And hopefully get to it before the case is emptied. Its funny that out phones have lot of this tech and cost half the price or less than camera and lens gear.

[@trekkeruss]

I recall in one of Rick Steves travel books, that he recommends to clip your luggage/carry-on to the rack or any fixed point to prevent the quick grab.

[@tamninja]

Back in 2017 I was taking some photos with a camera crew in Venice. We’ve hired a porter to help carry the luggage as that is part of the law there. In the middle of the travel, the porter stopped two American/European white tourist ladies in a sudden, but talked to them in some language I’m not aware of. Not Italian, not English. Then the porter turn to us, and tell us we were targeted due to our camera gear. Those two were not tourists, they got all their makeup and luxury handbags watches from their precious victims, and they were meant to stop us by asking for the way to ferry so someone else can steal our gear. The porter worked with them before and know their tricks, and they don’t want to get him into trouble so it’s lucky day for us

[@nestorsaunders8154]

Don't beat yourself bruh..lesson learned. There are some slick people in the world, who make a living being slick. As hard as you may try, it's hard to outwit them because their mind is CONSTANTLY in that space, and you're just trying to make an honest living.

[@juanvidal7776]

Damn brother I’m sorry to hear that 😮. I feel for you bro hopefully you can get new gear and keep grinding✊🏼

[@drradon]

Happy to hear insurance took good care of you. Usually I keep my backpack to my feet on the train with my leg through one of the straps. I make a point of having the high value stuff in my backpack right with me and not in the suitcase that goes somewhere else. What I hear is that AirTags sometimes help the police a lot and other times they will just ignore that you have the location information. To my knowledge theft like this is usually organised crime. The people stealing are doing their job collecting stuff for their bosses just like a drug dealer is not the guy keeping the cash. Quiet often you can hear about bikes or phones that can be tracked move half way around the world or at least to other countries within a very very short timeframe. So great you got good insurance and let’s hope they tread everyday customers just as good as KZbinrs. :D

[@peacefulsoldierTX]

I rode the Chicago L with a backpack full of Hasselblad gear all through the 90’s and worked as a traveling first assistant on commercial shoots. These are very expensive tools we use to feed our families. Take them seriously, they are not toys, and it’s not a fetish object, it’s a hammer. Keep it in an unbranded bag, keep the camera put away when traveling for safety, and don’t play with your film in the truck where it can be dropped or lost. The absolute best things I took from my career was don’t buy gear, rent. Have great insurance and be the best customer at the local rental house. I worked for a huge shooter in the 90’s who owned just enough gear to do a headshot for a look see. Once he was awarded the job he rented the gear he needed for the shoot. Almost zero overhead.

[@jakerage7777]

Welcome to the world of travel. I was held at gun point in Egypt by 7 soldiers telling me I took an illegal photo. They tried to take my camera, and my personal phone. Unlike most people I worked in a psych prison and am not intimidated. I walked away towards the US embassy, and they backed down. People around the world knock Americans, but every country I have traveled to I have had to deal with people trying to rip me off or intimidate me. Israel, Brazil, Jordan, you name it. It really discourages you from wanting to travel when you realize it. Glad it was theft and not an assault. Wishing you safer future travels.

[@Psysso]

Its nice when youre an american and have a powerful embassy to walk to if in trouble i guess.