doubice Posted January 28, 2014 Share #41 Posted January 28, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) I'm not going to be in Italy, I'll be in Prague ............ I intend to bring all of my very fine camera gear safely home. When in Prague, be careful when getting into a tram. Thieves work in groups; one will get in front of you as you are getting on and will distract you by stopping on the tram steps suddenly. The other ones will be behind you and will try to push you into the tram, while stealing whatever they may find from the back. By the time you are on the tram and discover the loss, the guy who was in front of you of course knows nothing and speaks no known language. The ones who actually did the stealing stayed behind, never got on the tram and are long gone now…… I’ve had three individuals dressed in coveralls, pretending to be labourers try this on me. A swift and strong kick backwards into the ‘sensitive’ regions of the bastards behind me did the trick. The front chap stayed on the tram, avoided my stare and quickly got off at the next stop. Maybe my height of 195cm (roughly 6’4”…) helped….. I’ll be there this May and hope to run into those bastards again……. Another issue in Prague - watch the cabbies. Apparently, close to 40% of them have a ‘Turbo Meter’: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KlDRYjJBQc But as most have said - common sense should always prevail. Prague is a wonderful city - enjoy! Good luck from an ex-Czech born in Prague many decades ago! Jan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 28, 2014 Posted January 28, 2014 Hi doubice, Take a look here M9 stolen in Rome!. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
marknorton Posted January 28, 2014 Share #42 Posted January 28, 2014 Lots of paranoia here. I echo Jeff's point that you are there to have fun. The biggest risk is that you become distracted by what is new and different and your sixth sense is down. It goes without saying that you only take out with you what you need. As for specific locations, I would be amazed there was ever a problem in Germany, still less in Austria where there's a tradition of respect for other people's property. If Prague has a reputation for pick pockets, I haven't experienced it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted January 28, 2014 Share #43 Posted January 28, 2014 As I usually say when this question comes up, if you think a destination is too risky to take your Leica to, then you shouldn't be going at all. I'm more worried about some mugger pulling a knife on me than losing a camera. And muggings happen everywhere, OK some places more than others. Most people - even foreigners - aren't thieves and muggers. One should just use common sense and be aware of their surroundings. Leave your camera bag under your table in a busy bar and you're making it easy prey should there be a theif about. Likewise in areas where it's known for pickpockets to operate, make sure that your pockets aren't easy pickings. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted Lemon Posted January 28, 2014 Share #44 Posted January 28, 2014 [ I’ll be there this May and hope to run into those bastards again……. Another issue in Prague - watch the cabbies. Apparently, close to 40% of them have a ‘Turbo Meter’: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KlDRYjJBQc But as most have said - common sense should always prevail. Prague is a wonderful city - enjoy! Good luck from an ex-Czech born in Prague many decades ago! Jan Hi - I am in Prague in May as well. Staying with friends and attending a photography workshop. I have had attempted muggings, a violent mugging (Barcelona ten years ago) travelled around developing countries with my Leica kit so generally aware of the issues. I also posted about a recent bad experience at Ibiza Airport on the forum a while back. I always try to look like I know exactly where I am going even if I am lost! Especially at bus stations, tram stops etc. But it all comes down to wrong place at wrong time for many of the issues I have encountered. I live near London and have witnessed the actual act of mugging and the aftermath on a few occasions so it can and does happen anywhere. As for Marks comment below on Germany - a friends just returned from there and was taking a train from Hamburg south - the train was mobbed at a station by a large gang and many people were mugged in the process, the police were called and the train was held up for 2 hours. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
agfa100 Posted January 29, 2014 Share #45 Posted January 29, 2014 I got lucky in old Saigon they tried the moped trick on me one day, I pulled the rear guy right off the bike. I got a few licks in and then the cop from across the street that saw it all go down pulled him into the closest alley and got a few licks in with this night stick. I sure hope he changed jobs after that day... Broke my Mat 124G but they fixed it in Japan and did it for n/c after I told them the story. Sometimes you get lucky Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
M9reno Posted January 29, 2014 Share #46 Posted January 29, 2014 When in Prague, be careful when getting into a tram. Thieves work in groups; one will get in front of you as you are getting on and will distract you by stopping on the tram steps suddenly. The other ones will be behind you and will try to push you into the tram, while stealing whatever they may find from the back. By the time you are on the tram and discover the loss, the guy who was in front of you of course knows nothing and speaks no known language. The ones who actually did the stealing stayed behind, never got on the tram and are long gone now…… A variant of this was tried on me on an electric escalator in Paris Gare du Nord a few years back. The guy ahead of me stopped as if he couldn't get off the escalator, blocking the way, while a guy behind me began to frisk me. I immediately began to yell loudly, and they all ran off, empty handed. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdlaing Posted January 30, 2014 Share #47 Posted January 30, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) A variant of this was tried on me on an electric escalator in Paris Gare du Nord a few years back. The guy ahead of me stopped as if he couldn't get off the escalator, blocking the way, while a guy behind me began to frisk me. I immediately began to yell loudly, and they all ran off, empty handed. I would have given the person behind me an express trip down the up escalator. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
run23 Posted January 31, 2014 Share #48 Posted January 31, 2014 I would have given the person behind me an express trip down the up escalator. Easier said than done. These people tend to put you in positions where you can't really react as you would like -- the big trick is to use babies or kids. A woman will almost hand you her kid to make you use your hands while someone picks your pocket. Or on an escalator, pushing a pickpocket down means having a cascade of innocent people tumbling down the escalator as well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdlaing Posted January 31, 2014 Share #49 Posted January 31, 2014 Easier said than done. These people tend to put you in positions where you can't really react as you would like -- the big trick is to use babies or kids. A woman will almost hand you her kid to make you use your hands while someone picks your pocket. Or on an escalator, pushing a pickpocket down means having a cascade of innocent people tumbling down the escalator as well. That's not what the post said that I replied to. I don't believe in letting myself become a victim when confronted personally. I had some gear stolen from a vehicle and that is quite different. If I catch somebody with his hand in my pocket, and I have, I reciprocate. You can protect yourself or become a victim. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herr Barnack Posted February 1, 2014 Share #50 Posted February 1, 2014 @dave, You have my sympathies - what an awful incident! It really sucks, but today's world is a world in which thieves may strike anywhere, any time. I recently got one of these new models of camera bag from PacSafe Pacsafe CamSafe Venture V16 Anti-Theft Camera Slingpack - eBags.com - I would highly recommend this bag for anyone traveling in dicey areas, either internationally or within the U.S. This bag comes in red and black, and if you shop hard, you may be able to get the gray version (which I was able to find). The way this bag is designed, you can wear it on your back or rotate it around and wear it on your chest if your senses put you on red alert. Best of luck in recovering your M9 and 28 Elmarit... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
run23 Posted February 2, 2014 Share #51 Posted February 2, 2014 That's not what the post said that I replied to.I don't believe in letting myself become a victim when confronted personally. I had some gear stolen from a vehicle and that is quite different. If I catch somebody with his hand in my pocket, and I have, I reciprocate. You can protect yourself or become a victim. Again, easier said than done. Most of these people are pros at distraction and getting you to not really know what is going on. When I was in Rome last year a woman with a baby stopped in front of me getting on the subway. When I stopped the crowd of people walking behind be kind of ran into me. I felt a slight brush on my pocket and my wallet fell on the ground. I looked the guy in the eye that I thought may have did it and it took me two seconds to process that the guy had tried to pick my pocket. By that time he was off the subway and the door had closed. In retrospect it is clear what was happening, but running around punching people that brush into you isn't a realistic way to go through life, no matter how tough it makes you feel. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
koray Posted February 2, 2014 Share #52 Posted February 2, 2014 You guys sound like you are going to Europe for war, not fun. Kicking people off trams, escalators, etc... Jeez, take it easy. I have been to all over the world and believe me, it is all the same, same people, same risks, same joys... Just look around and enjoy. With paranoia like this you will end up carrying an AK-47 on your other shoulder. K. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishfish Posted February 2, 2014 Share #53 Posted February 2, 2014 You guys sound like you are going to Europe for war, not fun. Kicking people off trams, escalators, etc... Jeez, take it easy. I have been to all over the world and believe me, it is all the same, same people, same risks, same joys... Just look around and enjoy. With paranoia like this you will end up carrying an AK-47 on your other shoulder. K. Hahahahaha..... That's funny... Leica on one shoulder and ak47 on the other.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheewai_m6 Posted February 2, 2014 Share #54 Posted February 2, 2014 i feel very sorry for the OP. i'm surprised at the amount of people, not talking about the OP, that put themselves in vulnerable positions. i saw many men walking around with their wallet in the back pocket. it's what any thief loves to see. a friend of mind had his laptop stolen in rome as well. he saw a bunch of gypsies walk into the bar. he turned away from his laptop for a second and it was gone when he turned back. with regards to taxis, there's no need to use them in any city. i've been around to a lot of countries and have used a taxi once, in germany. should've done my research that going from Wetzlar train station to solms can easily be done via bus, and for very cheap. it's a very short bus ride. i caught a taxi and the taxi driver took me on a bit of a drive. i caught the bus from Solms back to Wetzlar and realised i'd been stooged. in my experience, there's never ever been a need for taxis. metro, trams, buses and walking is all you need. and you get to see more of the city. shooting leica m has taught me, all you ever NEED, is 1 lens and a lot of film. SD card if you shoot digital. leica m6 (or ME these days) strapped across my shoulder and chest. m cameras don't attract attention. rambled off topic now. hope everyone keeps their leica gear safe in future travels. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
semi-ambivalent Posted February 2, 2014 Share #55 Posted February 2, 2014 i saw many men walking around with their wallet in the back pocket. it's what any thief loves to see. You could say that about being at the Iowa State Fair too. But let me ask an aside here since this thread has a lot of people well-traveled in Europe. I was there a couple years ago and several times saw beggars in the street. But rather than standing or sitting they were kneeling on the ground, arms extended holding maybe a bowl and their faces almost touching the pavement. It was quite striking to me. I can't now remember which countries I was in when I saw it (if it is cultural), but more than one. Can someone explain the use of such posture? Sure, you're a beggar, but I'd never expect you to prostrate yourself so because you need some money. thanks s-a Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smb Posted February 2, 2014 Share #56 Posted February 2, 2014 After reading the initial post I thought about ways to secure a camera in a bag, or at least making it more difficult to steal. May I suggest the use of a mountain climbing carabiner. I always carry one of them attached to my camera bag. The carabiner is oval in shape with a simple easy opening clip that presses inward. They normally have thousands of pounds of test strength and will not break when pulled. If I am at a restaurant, airport, etc. I attach the camera bag to a heavy immobile object. If such an object is not available I attach it to my belt. To update this for bags with cameras that are not zippered (which I do own) and the camera can be removed from the bag while it is being carried. Attach the camera strap to the carabiner which in turn is attached to the shoulder strap of the bag. If the camera is removed from the bag you will feel a strong pull when they reach the end of the length of the camera strap. The only drawback to this system is that when removing the camera from the bag you would need to disconnect the strap from the carabiner. This might not even be necessary if the shoulder bag was carried crosswise to the chest. In that case the carabiner would slide up and down in front as you moved the camera. Carabiners are purchased for under $15 from outdoor stores. They are often used as key rings attached to a belt. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
semi-ambivalent Posted February 2, 2014 Share #57 Posted February 2, 2014 ...Carabiners are purchased for under $15 from outdoor stores. They are often used as key rings attached to a belt. This is a good idea. These can also be had in a locking version that has a collar that screws down to the body of the 'biner, preventing quickly opening the gate. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevesurf Posted February 2, 2014 Share #58 Posted February 2, 2014 Despite being all too aware of the city's reputation I had my precious M9 stolen last Sunday in Rome along with my beloved 28mm Elmarit (a companion for 28 years) and 28mm finder. The theft occurred on a very crowded bus (classic scenario) and the camera was very expertly fished from out of my Billingham bag. The Hadley Pro is great in normal circumstances but has no zip and is too easy to access - Ironically this ease of opening is why I normally use this bag. The M9 is black (the paint is polished like an MP) with a black dot and red soft release. It is brassed here and there particularly on the base plate. It has a distinctive dent on the right hand side of the top deck where I bounced it out of a cab in Tokyo. It is wearing an Artist & Artisan's olive green web strap with red leather trim and the serial number is 4200963. Unfortunately I don't seem to have a record of the lens s/no. The camera, lens and viewfinder can be seen here on Tokyo Camera Style. Thought it was worth posting here in case anyone is offered this camera. Thanks for reading! - Dave I am so sorry to hear about this; you have my hopes that you'll get a replacement soon. If there is anything you need, perhaps keeping a collective eye out for a good deal for you, please let us know! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest odeon Posted February 2, 2014 Share #59 Posted February 2, 2014 You guys sound like you are going to Europe for war, not fun. Kicking people off trams, escalators, etc... Jeez, take it easy. I have been to all over the world and believe me, it is all the same, same people, same risks, same joys... Just look around and enjoy. With paranoia like this you will end up carrying an AK-47 on your other shoulder. And Ankara? Or, other Turkish cities? I can say, no one knows the Leica brand in Turkey. For that reason theifs love bigger bodies like Canon, Nikon, etc. I never have a problem with my Leica M in Turkey. By the way, the Rome case is related with poor countries of the Europe. Northern countries are much more safer than sub-Swiss countries. You can't compare Athens and Oslo. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecaton Posted February 3, 2014 Share #60 Posted February 3, 2014 I`m sorry to hear about your loss. I travelled probably more than many in this thread and never had an issue. In future, my main concern will be to avoid walking up to an insecure, groin kicking, ear biting scull crashing, chuck Norris impersonating Leica owner to ask for direction. Muggers, at least, I know how to handle - I give them my belongings and wish for a nice day. The insecure Leica owner, in contrast, sounds like an unpredictable beast. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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