Cameras and theft in Italy

Of course they are. Anything with an immediate value. I would keep the camera in a day bag or under a jacket out of sight when not using it. Or if it has a zipper make sure the zipper is secured. Since lots of tourist carry camera so that will not be a problem. And, keep in mind, while the subject of pickpockets is frequently discussed on travel stes you probability of being a target is low if you take some reasonable precautions. Have been to Rome four times and have yet to see a pickpocket.

Barbara, have your memory cards transferred to CD's every so often (I do it every other day when in Europe) and store them in your luggage. You can have this done for a few Euros at practically any camera shop in Italy. Other than that, treat your cameras as you would any other valuables and you'll be fine.

I think the way to avoid being pick pocketed is just to be aware. I've traveled through Europe every 2-4 months over the past 6 years. I live here, but I'm obviously American. The only time we have been robbed was when our car was broken in to at the Florence train station. We keep the camera in a jacket pocket or in my messanger bag (it is my diaper bag, purse and well everything bag). I think your camera will be fine in the belt pack. If you're worried, just buy mutiple memory cards and keep the full ones in your luggage. It could cost less $ to buy a bunch of small memory cards then to hunt down a shop to put your pics on a CD.

It also depends on the camera. A good number of thieves are savvy enough to know what type of camera is worth their time to try and steal. But in the end just keep a close eye on it, keep the zipper closed and you'll be fine.

Pete

My husband keeps his camera in a zippered case that attaches to his belt as you describe. He's never had a problem but having read the many warnings about petty crime and pickpocketing we've learned how to keep our stuff safe. In a dense crowd or metro he keeps his hand over the pouch. I have a wonderful little Canon digital elph that actually slips right into my Rick Steves travel neck wallet.

Sadly I've not been as lucky as Frank and have had travelling companions relived of wallets, a purse an ipod and a camera. Last May I saw two men relieved of their wallets so quickly I couldn't even shout out to warn them. I saw a man who had had two suitcases stolen outside of SMN train station and a lady who got up from lunch at a sidewalk cafe to find the purse she'd put on the floor gone.

Other than a bus ticket scam and the odd shortchange neither my husband no I have ever had any problems. Knowledge is power. Spend a little time planning the best way to keep your stuff safe then enjoy the trip.

PS One of the professors had her stash of Diet Cokes and a three day Pizza Tono stolen from the balcony of our hotel across from SMN train station. Given the cost of Coke Light in Firenze I'm not sure I'd call that a "petty" theft LOL. As a philosophy prof she was able to see the bright side that eating a 3 day old tuna pizza would create the perfect punishment for the crime.

When you say zippered case on his belt, do you mean a "fanny pack?" These are like neon signs to pickpockets.

If you do , find a way to keep the zippers "locked" together either with a small luggage lock or a screw type carabiner. It will make it more difficult for the thieves to get what's inside and they'll move on.

I like the small versa-link type carabiner that can be found at REI. (The quick release type carabiner can be opened much easier than the screw type which is why I suggest the screw type. )

Thank you everyone. Frank, it's not a fanny pack - just a small camera case that has a belt loop. It does have a double zipper, so we'll use a carabiner. And we'll put in "under cover" when we aren't using it or are in really crowded areas. Thanks again!

I carry my camera around my neck all the time. It's a Nikon D60, somewhat heavy, somewhat expensive, but they seem to be everywhere now.

Should I be worried about someone getting it off my neck?

Barbara,

It would be a good idea to check the section on Theft in Europe Through The Back Door, the "Tourist Scam Alert" and "Photography in Europe" sections of the Graffiti Wall.

The thieves in Europe don't always fit the profile that one would expect. Some are dressed like businessmen, and they often operate in groups. If you take reasonable precautions maintain vigilance, you shouldn't have any problems.

Using a zippered Case on a belt is not the most secure method, even if it's secured with a mini-Biner. I'm assuming it's one of the commercial Camera Cases (LowePro) or whatever? You might want to position it more to the front so that you can keep it in view, and so it's easy to place your hand on when you're in a crowd situation.

Happy travels!

When we were in Italy last year we were very mindful of our posessions, wore money belts, etc. but in Pisa we were literally MOBBED by the teenage gypsy girls. 5 surrounded us while getting on the bus and one had her hands in my husband's pants pockets, and one was trying to rip my camera bag from my hands- very blatant. Thankfully they got nothing.

If your husband wants to carry his camera in that fashion, I would suggest he have it right in front, and be very mindful of it when in crowds.

Barbara, after 6 trips to Italy, I've never (knock on wood I guess) had anything taken from me. I did see a pickpocket in action on the Metro in Rome, but he didn't get us - we had our money/credit cards in money belts, nothing at all in our pockets.

I bought a PacSafe Metro 200 bag last year before my trip to Rome with my daughter and LOVED it. The zippers all lock, and I kept them locked. I kept my camera in there as well as day trip necessities. I highly recommend this company's products.

All that being said, if you are a "tourist" with a huge DSLR camera on a strap around your neck that has huge letters with the brand name of your camera, you might be more of a target.

I recommend getting a day bag, not a fanny pack for your camera, keep it locked, and across your shoulder, not hanging from one shoulder. Also, be aware, and keep a hand on it at all times when you are in crowded situations....and try to avoid large crowds if at all possible.

Of course they are Barb.
I keep my camera across the body and on the belt.
However, if I am in a crowded area and I don't take pictures I put back in my backpack.Most of the time I keep my hand on it, if it's on my belt.
You can buy a safe strap taht has wire inside.I think that's the best choice for everyone.

Not mentioned yet, but if it is time for a new camera, you can get small digitals (Nikon, Canon, etc.) that can tuck into about anything and takes better pictures than most cameras of a couple years ago. We found this very handy for an extended trip to Rome, that way we could go out, not lug a big camera, but have one if needed.

Be careful if you get on a really crowded subway. When people get packed in like sardines someone can get in your bag without you feeling it if you're not careful.

Other than that I wouldn't worry. I would periodically upload my photos from the memory card to a cd. Lots of places will do this cheap so you have a backup even if you are not traveling with a laptop.

While in Rome we stopped to eat at Miscellanea, mentioned in Rick's book, and I set my camera on the table. Mikki, the owner of the restarurant, came over to me and told me I should put the camera out of sight because the gypsies would walk by and snatch it and be gone. Even though I had it on the right hand side of the table away from the walking area and had no intention of leaving the table I heeded his advice and put the camera in my bag. I put the bag under the table and tied the strap around the leg of my chair. I figured if the owner of the restaurant told me do this he has probably seen numerous tourists relieved of their cameras and other belongings over the years.
BTW, if ever in Rome and want a free glass of wine go to this place and plop Rick Steves' book on the table and they will bring you a free glass of Mikki's "sexy wine" (as described in Rick's book) which is homemade from strawberries. Although, we don't usually drink wine we did on this occasion and it was quite good. We had read in Rick's book that they would give you a free glass of wine if you put his book on the table so we intentionally put it to the test and sure enough it happened.