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 p.2 #5 · Pickpockets? Seeking Camera bag for Europe Trip | |
Abuttolph wrote:
Thieves are indeed a problem, but having said that, I have traveled a lot within the US and many times in Europe without having anything stolen. In addition to the great advice offered already, be aware of people who are trying to divert your attention or who are trying to get you to use your hands, such as signing a petition.
One time my husband and I were targeted by a group of three older normal-looking women near a little pond in Geneva. It was a quiet spot with few people around. One woman was feeding bread to geese and she started talking to us. As she got our attention, another woman approached and both ended up standing far to close to us. They had another lady watching and I guess was the lookout, who was not quite as close. All the while, they seemed very friendly and talked about how nice the geese were to see, but were obviously a pickpocket ring. Once they got too close to us, we realized what was going on and quickly left.
In general, use the normal precautions as thieves are everywhere - we certainly have no shortage of them in the US. And, be aware of the current scams that may be happening. Don't stand out or draw attention to yourself. As an American, we are pretty easy to identify as our clothing and shoes can be a little different from what Europeans wear. Even on safari in Africa, I spotted an American simply by the soles on his shoes....Show more →
I think that is good advice. Someone we know very well (we stay with them when we visit Germany) has lived and worked in Europe for decades. He’s about as seasoned a traveler as there is and he typically blends in very well. (He speaks multiple languages well and get get by in a couple others.)
He got hit on an escalator in Paris by people using one of those “distraction” ploys… and he had let down his guard and left some important documents in a part of his luggage that was too accessible.
As I’ve said before, I’m very much not a paranoid traveler. But any time I encounter anything that looks remotely like one of the distraction schemes I go on alert — for myself and my wife. I’d even take the risk of seeming slightly rude and walking away from someone in those cases.
And, again, this is really pretty similar to how you’d behave in such locations in your own country, which for me means the United States. We love Manhattan and we travel there a lot. When there we walk all over the place and we take the subway. But we do remain aware of our surroundings…
Arka wrote:
It may also have something to do with the fact that visiting photographers are usually festooned with needlessly ponderous equipment, pointing lenses at subjects locals would not consider interesting enough to be in a photograph (e.g., street art, homeless people). I live in LA and that's a surefire tell for out-of-towners - pedestrians in hiking-type gear with a bag or backpack, camera with a big lens, and wandering the crowds in Hollywood or Rodeo drive (where relatively few locals visit at all, let alone with cameras in tow). The funniest ones also have a tripod attached to their backpack. 
Mostly I agree with you. Especially about the needlessly ponderous gear and the clothing.
On the other hand… as a sometimes street photographer I photograph those things (people, street art, and more) right iny m own local neighborhood!
Lifeinpictures wrote:
I travelled in Italy, Switzerland, France and Italy with my camera gear.
I usually keep my equipment in bags that look like regular ones with inserts. I did not work on editing my pictures and videos on my MacBook Pro in trains during traveling between countries. Only in hotels.
I tried not to stand out as a naive traveler. Always kept my bag close to me and made sure that when a crowd gathered around me, to move away from there. This is especially true in Italy which is notorious for pickpockets and camera thefts.
There were people who told me which areas in cities like Milan were especially notorious for this.
Be especially vigilant in very busy areas. Try not to look like you are carrying expensive gear.
I also only took with me just one camera and lens in a non photography back for a day’s shooting, knowing exactly what I needed.
The rest stayed in the hotel room (usually a very reputed hotel).
So, I had no issues just using comon sense....Show more →
Great summary. That’s pretty much my approach.
Stefan Official wrote:
That’s why I insured my equipment. It makes traveling more relaxed, even though it would still be really frustrating if it got stolen. My mood would definitely be ruined anyway.
And here’s a practical tip I rarely see mentioned: secure your zippers with small mini carabiners. This way they can’t be opened without using both hands and some fiddling. It helps a lot. Also, always wear your backpack with both straps and don’t let it hang loosely over one shoulder. In high-risk areas, it’s better to wear it in front of your body.
https://amzn.eu/d/5hgUIYE
The point about insuring gear is important. IF something happens, you’d want to know that you could quickly replace gear and move forward — regardless of whether you are traveling or at home.
The carabiner idea is worth thinking about. Anything that adds and extra bit of complexity to getting inside your bags is useful. That’s partly the theory behind the security attachments on the PacSafe bags. It isn’t that they are impossible to open, it is just that it is no longer a matter of just sliding a zipper.
If you carry a backpack, whether for photo gear or luggage, you can also buy small locks that secure the zippers. Again, this would not keep a truly determined thief away, but it does mean that you are a less interesting target since getting into your bag requires additional effort.
Edited on Oct 24, 2025 at 10:11 PM · View previous versions
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