My business insurance has skyrocketed in price this year with a 33% increase. However, I wouldn’t do without it. Like anything with monetary value, cameras can become a target for thieves. That risk is growing.
Serial Killer Google
Stolen digital cameras are once again easier to recover thanks to their serial numbers embedded in metadata. It can be searched as soon as a photo taken by it is uploaded to the internet. webpage Stolen Camera Finder helped with camera tracking in this way. However, everything has changed. I entered the serial number of an older camera into its database and it found no information regarding the camera online, even though it has been used to post hundreds of photos on websites. different. So next, I entered the number into Google and several other search engines. My camera no longer shows up in search results like it used to.
I have reached out to the owner of Stolen Camera Finder, but sadly, have not heard back as I write this.
The disappearance of serial numbers from search results may be due to privacy and security concerns; Serial numbers can be used to track people. Or is it because most search engines are sales-oriented and don’t provide useful information. Whatever the reason, this change makes it much easier to sell stolen cameras. That, in turn, makes them a bigger target for theft.
Of course, most people now upload their photos to social media. Typically, those services remove serial numbers and other metadata from images, thus making photo ownership more difficult to prove and increasing the likelihood of photos being stolen. It also makes it harder to identify the camera that captured them.
There was a time when people could be assured that cameras sold by large and reputable second-hand retailers were not stolen because they could check ownership. They’ll look up the serial number, find pictures taken with that camera, and if the person taking the picture isn’t the one selling it, an alarm will sound.
I have tried to discuss the issue of serial numbers that are no longer searchable with two of the major companies specializing in used photographic equipment, but to no avail. Read on what you want.
Lenstag to the rescue
However, there is good news. It is possible to register your camera with a great free database due to lens card. The database includes the serial numbers of several stolen devices. It’s not definitive, but if you’re buying a used camera, you should check there to see if the lens is marked as stolen. I highly recommend registering your camera and lens as it will help fight crime, assist legitimate businesses in referencing databases, and help protect other photographers.
I spoke by email with Trevor Sehrer at Lenstag:
Lenstag’s overall goal is to end the ability of criminals to sell stolen equipment by making it undesirable to purchase and thus stolen… I think it’s like licensing the device. If photographers see a used item they’re interested in being stolen, they’ll be less likely to buy the item as it will be harder to resell in the future due to the item being flagged as second-hand. steal. And as has happened in some cases, photographers who accidentally purchased stolen equipment without first checking the Lenstag were confiscated by the police and returned to its rightful owners – even transstate. Because of this, I don’t see anyone who would risk buying stolen items.
A big part of how Lenstag works is visual verification of each serial number just like the DMV does with VINs for car names. I verified it myself and about 20% of all serial numbers sent to Lenstag were either mistyped or something else that wasn’t the actual serial number on the item. I fix it if possible or decline the verification request and send it back to the user with some notes on what needs to be fixed. This means that all the other registries – Nikon, Canon, Sony, Leica, etc – that do not do this have bad data and are, at best, unreliable. At worst, a photographer can report a stolen lens with a mistyped serial number, such as Canon Professional Services, and then a photographer sends the actual lens. had the serial number mistyped for Canon to repair and they lost the lens.
Some innocent victims are still losing the old cameras they bought because they were confiscated by the police, who identified them as stolen. If they can check the serial number first, they can avoid that loss.
Some photographers attach security ID labels to their cameras. These hard-to-remove tags act as a deterrent and make returning stolen property more likely. However, they can affect the resale value of the camera if that matters to the photographer.
How are cameras mostly stolen?
Most stolen cameras are opportunistic criminals. So, simple measures like keeping the device out of sight in the car, keeping it by your side in public, and using a reinforced strap that cannot be cut are simple measures that will help reduce the chances of you getting sick. camera jerked. Sun-Sniper Pro Strap can help prevent this type of robbery. In some parts of the world, it’s not uncommon for thieves to approach you, often from behind, slash your strap with a knife, and then escape with your camera.
Avoid Robbery While Traveling
Being robbed or having property stolen can be a harrowing experience. Years ago, I was at the Maasai market in Nairobi, Kenya. Back then, my friends who lived locally called it Nairobery. I heard an uproar. There was a crowd of people surrounding a boy. They beat and kicked him while the police stood watching. Locals attacked the boy after he snatched his bag from a tourist, who shouted: “Thief!” Eventually, police officers dragged his body and threw him in the back of a truck with a cage. The female victim was crying. Her bag contained the equivalent of $30, and her screaming about the theft caused the probable death of a starving child. The bright white bag would be a clear target.
Smaller camera bodies are less noticeable to thieves. So consider something smaller for your travel instead of that full-frame monster. Lens and sensor technology is so good today that Micro Four Thirds cameras produce outstanding image quality. Their footprints are also much smaller. Besides being more discreet, they are more convenient.
Using a side strap instead of a neck strap makes the camera more discreet. I removed the label from the belt. Camera bags are also easy to identify by robbers. Besides wanting to bring minimal equipment, that’s one of the reasons I don’t use it. A simple, separate backpack with built-in security features like a slit-resistant lining will protect your camera and other valuables.
Measures to prevent theft
Prevention is always best. Where I live, I happily go out at night with my camera. But there are places not far from me where I wouldn’t venture alone. So I have a friend with me.
Plan where you’re going, choose roads and walkways with lots of people, and CCTV coverage. Valuables like cell phones, wallets and cameras attract thieves, so try to keep them out of sight. If you go out with your camera, walk confidently and with purpose, as you are less likely to become a target. Always be aware of your surroundings.
Never place your camera or other valuables on a coffee shop table. Use a pre-booked licensed taxi over the phone or via the app.
What to do if you are being robbed
Fstoppers regularly has stories about photographers being robbed. It is important to visualize what you will do in any emergency, as it prevents panic; That’s why the workplace has fire drills. Knowing what to do if you are robbed will reduce your risk of injury.
If someone tries to rob you, don’t try to protect your property. It’s just a camera and hopefully covered. Your safety is paramount. The bandit’s adrenaline levels will be sky high, and they’ll be just as nervous as you. Calm. Move slowly and steadily and follow their directions. Just give them what they want and explain why you’re doing the movements, for example, “I’m going to remove the clip on this strap so I can deliver it to you.”
It is in your interest and the bandits for the experience to end as quickly as possible. So follow their instructions in the letter and don’t offer anything more or help. If they ask for twenty dollars, give them that, not fifty. If they want your camera, don’t give them your wallet. All police forces recommend not to bring weapons into the confrontation; Your camera is not worth endangering someone’s life. If they have a gun, assume it’s loaded.
Tell the robber if there are any surprises. If you are seeing someone, let the robber know.
Let’s observe. Make a note in your head about their appearance. Who do they look like? What is their height and construction? How old are they? What color eyes and hair do they have? Are there any distinguishing features? If there is more than one robber, do they use names? Do they seem drunk or high? If they used a weapon, what would it look like?
Once they have what they want, offer to walk away. Immediately go to a safe place where there are many people and report the crime. Ask someone to stay with you while you report.
For professional photographers, at events and photo sessions, it’s always worthwhile to regularly swap out memory cards from the camera and store them in a separate safe place. You can replace the camera if it is stolen, but the event may not be captured.
Your local police department will give advice on what to do if you are robbed and I recommend that you familiarize yourself with that.
Protect your camera from theft
Cameras are also targets in burglaries. So in addition to standard building security precautions and locking them in a safe is a measure worth considering. However, if a thief breaks into the building, the standard doors of rooms and offices are very easy to break and a kick can break them. So consider leaving the interior doors unlocked.
Opportunity burglaries happen during the day when exterior doors and windows are open. So when possible, lock them up.
Most police forces offer similar advice on preventing theft. If you arrive at your residence and think an intruder is there, stay calm. Verify, if you can, see if anyone is there. In a previous role, I went to work several times at night because the alarm was triggered. Once, I could smell them as soon as I opened the door; it was the stench of stale alcohol and cigarettes. I stopped, listened, then quietly withdrew to call the police.
If possible, don’t confront the thief. Verify their presence and, if possible, quietly exit the scene. If you can’t escape, locking yourself in a room and blocking the door with furniture may be the next best option. Then call the police.
If you face an intruder, your actions will be the same as what I mentioned above when facing a robbery. Follow their instructions. Act calmly and speak softly, keeping conversation to a minimum. Inform them of any surprises as expected guests. Immediately after, call the police, do not touch anything and take notes. Again, your local police will likely offer specific advice, so check their website.
Have you ever had a painful experience of being robbed or robbed? Are there additional precautions you take? Other photographers will find it helpful to hear about your experience in the comments.
