Has anyone ever been robbed or mugged while out shooting?

[KenC]

Never in many years of walking around with cameras, here in Philly, in NYC and for a little while in Chicago. I don't go in the worst neighborhoods, I keep my gear in a nondescript backpack most of the time, and I tend to walk quickly which I think is somewhat of a deterrent - I read once that muggers look at the way people walk to identify those who appear weaker and less likely to resist.

 

[ReganP]

As someone who has had two cameras stolen (only point-and-shoots luckily) my advice is to always be aware of your surroundings. Don't get lax, don't think it'll be OK for just a minute. I hate to be paranoid but if you feel you're in a sketchy situation or you leave your things unattended, most of the time they WILL get stolen.

Incidentally I've only been afraid while shooting once. I took a Canon Rebel (I don't know what kind) that I was renting from my university to shoot some pictures for a story I was doing about homeless people's dogs and how they take care of them on the streets. One of the locations I visited to get interviews was a shelter with a bad reputation. I'm not saying all or even very many homeless people are thieves or untrustworthy, but I met some seriously sketchy and mentally ill people there. Luckily everything turned out fine and I was able to return the camera safe and sound. I did end up contracting pink eye from that little project though.

 

[cgipson1]

Yes, I have been robbed while out shooting and otherwise mugged when not out shooting. I was fortunate not to suffer physical harm. I harbor no malice toward those who harmed me. As human beings our depraved propensity for violence makes us unworthy to share life on this planet. As a defective species we should be exterminated for the benefit of life on earth -- Gort, Klaatu barada

Joe

While I don't disagree with you.. I do feel those that instigate the violence need to be put down.. violently! Then those of us who love peace enough to defend it can truly be at peace!

"The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. … Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

Again.. I agree! But there speaks a "Victim"! See you in the obituaries, bud! (just kidding.. but trying to make a point!)

 

[cgipson1]

Would you consider a bayonet lens hood? lol

Ooh.. make one out of high carbon steel, and sharpen the edges like a razor... and give the bad guy the ULTIMATE close-up!

 

[cgipson1]

fire arms are not a solution, as you can worse the rubbers anger and get hurt really well.
Also you could go to jail. Just hand the man your camera. It is just a piece of lousy plastic that you will anyway throw away in 2 years.
Life and health are ireplaceable. Plastics are.

Funny.. I consistently disagree with everything you post!

 

[cgipson1]

Never when out with the camera, but then I don't tend to shoot in streets/towns that often.

That said get yourself insurance to cover theft/damange/loss etc.... then if anyone wants it you just give it over. Cameras might well cost us a small fortune but it ain't worth your life.

If you're going to fight for your stuff - eh - that can work and it can backfire terribly (most people stabbed with a knife are stabbed with their own knife). It's something that invloves a lot more than strapping a gun/knife to your person and walking out with it.

I do agree with this. If you lack the training, or the necessary mindset.. you should just hand over the camera, and hope that the bad guy doesn't decide to hurt / kill you just for fun! But then I think anyone and everyone can defend themselves if they want to.. with a bit of training also. (I used to teach "Don't be a Victim" women's self defense classes... and the gals loved it! They were good at it.. after they got over the nonsense that they had been indoctrinated with their whole lives (being helpless)!

 

[rexbobcat]

Never when out with the camera, but then I don't tend to shoot in streets/towns that often.

That said get yourself insurance to cover theft/damange/loss etc.... then if anyone wants it you just give it over. Cameras might well cost us a small fortune but it ain't worth your life.

If you're going to fight for your stuff - eh - that can work and it can backfire terribly (most people stabbed with a knife are stabbed with their own knife). It's something that invloves a lot more than strapping a gun/knife to your person and walking out with it.

That's why you educate yourself with training. But then again....I'm from Texas...from the cowboy part...it kind of just comes with the territory growing up. lol

 

[mfdrookie516]

I proudly practice my right (yeah, it's surprisingly still there) to carry a firearm legally... everywhere I legally can. I do agree with what overread posted though to an extent. My philosophy has always been never carry a weapon that you are not proficient with, whether that's a rock, knife, gun, taser, etc. My camera is cheap (t3i), but to someone who see's drug money, it might look expensive. But... I still carry even without my camera.

 

[DiskoJoe]

I'm just curious, has anyone ever been mugged or harassed while out shooting? I know everyone must feel some sense of caution when carrying around expensive equipment. If so would you care to share your story? How you handled the situation and what's the best thing to do.

In the short time I've had my camera I haven't been mugged nor harassed but I've always been weary of these situations. I don't live in the safest city and I'd like to get your opinions on the matter.

From the few times I've trekked through New Orleans I've encountered quite a few suspicious looking characters.

Try to go out with a friend or friends. There is strength in numbers. A tripod is a formidable weapon if used correctly and useful when doing night shots anyway. If all else fails carry a knife or a gun. I have a pocket knife I carry with me sometimes but I have never had any problems here in Houston. The bums are usually pretty cool and would rather have a cigarette or some spare change then your gear. I had one homeless lady tell me she loved photography so I showed her some of my pictures. She told she thought they were really good. Then she told me she loved me too. : }

 

[Stradawhovious]

Never when out with the camera, but then I don't tend to shoot in streets/towns that often.

That said get yourself insurance to cover theft/damange/loss etc.... then if anyone wants it you just give it over. Cameras might well cost us a small fortune but it ain't worth your life.

If you're going to fight for your stuff - eh - that can work and it can backfire terribly (most people stabbed with a knife are stabbed with their own knife). It's something that invloves a lot more than strapping a gun/knife to your person and walking out with it.

I can appreciated this logic, but someone in the Minneapolis area might want to inform the scum donig the robbing that they can stop after they receive your valuables.

There have been several instances where armed thugs put their victims in the hospital, and in a couple of cases in the ground even after the victim handed over all their valuables.

The rules have changed, and if you think someone who is of the mind of using violence to get your belongings will stop just because you gave them what they want, you might be in for a nasty surprise.

Everyone needs to make up their own mind on how they will conduct themselves in this situation. It can happen any time, any where...... Wheter you avoid the "bad" parts of town or not.

I will not judge anyone for handling the situation by laying down and doing what they are told, but me....... well, if you confront me or my family with violence, I will defend my life and the lives of my loved ones by any means possible.

In addition to my camera, I carry a firearm.

Wherever I go, and whenver I'm awake. Say what you will about that, I have made my choice.

ETA.... and in addition to carrying a firearm, I have also received quite a bit of training. I go out of my way to take both live fire classes and straight up classroom training, and practice frequently. I also hope that all of that training is in vain, and never needs to be put to the test. I've thus far not had any incidents while out taking photos or otherwise, and consider myself very fortunate.

 

[onehundredoctane]

While out at night shooting downtown I've been approached by a bum looking for a hand out. I ALWAYS get a friend to go with me if I think I'll be in a bad part of town, we both have concealment permits and Glock 0.40's so there isn't much to be afraid of, although I try to keep a watchful eye it always helps to have a friend who isn't just looking thru the viewfinder like I am.

 

[theeph]

I regularly carry a legal limit fixed blade knife and a taser, and a hidden legal weapon of choice while I'm out shooting. Not only to protect from humans but from other mammals as well.

What about reptiles?

 

[hopdaddy]

Never in many years of walking around with cameras, here in Philly, in NYC and for a little while in Chicago. I don't go in the worst neighborhoods, I keep my gear in a nondescript backpack most of the time, and I tend to walk quickly which I think is somewhat of a deterrent - I read once that muggers look at the way people walk to identify those who appear weaker and less likely to resist.

There is some good info in this post....I grew up in Miami ,and now live in the Atlanta area. There are simply parts of the city you need not go to . If you do and are armed....well you just lost the piece too , and may-be your life . In my younger years ,I taught Marshal-arts and entered many full contact tournaments , so I'm not of the " Victim" mind set . I don't look like a victim , or act like I'm afraid of any body.If nothing else, a thug will think twice if you don't look as an easy target . When i encounter Homeless , before I give them some money ,I will have a dialog with them ,looking them in the eyes ,and listening to their story ..... I've never been mugged (When photographing) but seldom in the city alone , and always armed with more than one way ,to protect me and others..... But you will never truly know how you will react ,until the second you have too .

 

[Stradawhovious]

My advice to anyone that is looking for a good way to not get mugged isn't necessarily to carry a weapon, or to just hand over your belongings to the first person that asks for them..........

It's to travel in packs and be aware of your surroundings.

Get a friend or few to go with you. You are far less likely to be a victim of violent crime if you travel in greater numbers. The chance isn't eliminated...... but it is surely greatly reduced. Listen to your gut. If your gut tells you that someone is following you, or that you feel someone intends to do you harm or look suspicious..... go into a store, get to a well lit and more populated area, walk the other way etc etc etc. Human intuition can be an amazing thing, so it's important to listen to that little voice in your head when it's trying to tell you something.

If I go out galavanting around with my camera after dark, I always have a person or two with me. Not only do I then have a second set of eyes to help with the situational awareness, I also have a pack mule.

 

[r1000]

I'm in the "carry a knife" camp... I have adopted this from another activity that I like doing.. Which is cycling, not Bike riding... CYCLING. Bikes with skinny tires, Lycra.. yes like Lance Armstrong (except not at all like Lance Armstrong in the cycling skill dept.. haha.. I wish!!), you get the idea. Anyway there are tons of idiots on the roads today that feel they OWN that road and that someone on something that doesn't at least have four wheels is doing something wrong. Anyway.. back on topic, yes I carry a knife. I was in the Marine Corps for four years and did a lot of training on how to use one. Thankfully I haven't been in any situation which has had me use it. I also carry one in my car, that one is not of legal size don't say anything... or I'll cut ya :greenpbl: