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04/27/2006 09:09:25 PM · #1 |
| I am going to Venice and Florence in May and I have heard that there is a problem with gypsies and pickpockets. I would like to carry my camera and lenses in a backpack but I am concerned that this would make me a target. Does anybody have any knowledge of this problem and advice as to how I can protect my gear? Many thanks for your help. |
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04/27/2006 09:22:22 PM · #2 |
I am going to Italy In September. Rome, Florence, Tuscan coast, and Venice. My partner has been there and he told me exactly the problem you are describing. He rigged a locking mechanism ( metal cable and lock) that goes throught all the loops on my camera bag. I will keep it locked at all times and keep my camera around my neck, with one hand on it at all times.
Would love to hear about your adventure...............
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04/27/2006 09:46:54 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by dcano:
I am going to Italy In September. Rome, Florence, Tuscan coast, and Venice. My partner has been there and he told me exactly the problem you are describing. He rigged a locking mechanism ( metal cable and lock) that goes throught all the loops on my camera bag. I will keep it locked at all times and keep my camera around my neck, with one hand on it at all times.
Would love to hear about your adventure............... |
That is an interesting idea Damon. I heard that they have been known to take a knife to the bottom of a backpack to removed things without the owner even being aware of it. I will surely not be taking my hands off my camera.
I will most definitely be posting worthy pictures of my trip on DPC (If my camera has not been stolen!!).
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04/28/2006 08:18:27 AM · #4 |
| I went to Italy for two weeks a few years ago and had heard some of these stories beforehand as well. If you have a sense of awareness about you, I honestly think you will be fine without going through a lot of elaborate measures. Just do the usual stuff, wallet in the front pocket instead of back, and bags in front of you, not behind. I can honestly say I did not see anyone sizing us up, for what it is worth. |
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04/28/2006 08:29:34 AM · #5 |
I didn't have a problem in Venice, but then I did my best to stay away from the tourists!
Edit: I did go to Naples though which has a REALLY bad reputation but I found it to be fine. Shopkeepers would tell me to put away my camera (Minolta 7D) when it was visible, but I didn't find any problems. I do tend to have my wits about me though.
Message edited by author 2006-04-28 08:32:18.
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04/28/2006 08:35:05 AM · #6 |
My girlfriend and I are headed to Venice and Rome in May, as well. We'll keep our eyes open and if I see someone stealing your camera, we'll be sure to step in and help, maybe take a few pic's and hope for another photojournalism challenge that week.
My girlfriend is from Romania, and when we were there, it was strongly recommended that we keep valuables close and in plain sight. I have a point & shoot, so that's easy, but it is more of a trick with DSLR's and all the aprurtenances. I think for her camera, we will look into a sling bag that can be worn like a backpack, but easily brought around to the front for keeping a close watch during bus rides or waiting in lines, etc.
Good luck with your trip and your photography.
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04/28/2006 08:39:32 AM · #7 |
I have been to Italy 4 times now and two times I was traveling alone. I did never have to lock my backpack special but always keep you bag in the floor between you feets when you are in the subway just to be save. It is to crowded to notise if someone is opening it if you keep it on your back.
But other than that then it is just the simple things like don't keep your money in your open pocket (once a guy tryed to find something like that in my pocket but did not find anything because I am to poor) :)
So don't be afrate to show your camera in public because if you are going to have worry about your camera all the time than I think you should just leave it at home. If it get stolen then I just hope that you got insurance :) |
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04/28/2006 08:39:49 AM · #8 |
I went to Rome last year, I'd heard about the Gypsies, but even with over one million tourists in the city I only found the Gypsies in the subway, and usually they were just kids, 6-12 years old trying to get some money without stealing.. I even "let" them huzzle me for €5 just for fun, I wanted to see how they would do it..
they stand in front of the ticket machine and offer to assist you, because the instructions are in Italic, and then they ask for some money for the machine, and some more... and they manage to "loose" about 50% of what you give them for the machine... but they do it so professionally that i'ts actually really fun to experience, just don't give them any large bills ;)
that was the only time I saw Gypsies in Rome and I walked all over the old city, all the gardens, galleries, zoo, and Vatican City.
so don't worry about your camera, they might try to pick your pockets, but they are not robbers...
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04/28/2006 09:04:03 AM · #9 |
I spent 4.5 years in Italy, about 45 minutes from Venice. And I have probably been to venice 30 or 40 times.
First off, act like you belong! Pulling out maps or tourest books is the surest way to be pegged. Most of the pickpockets are kids, and you will know if they are swarming you, just dont' dismiss them as cute. That is how they get you...
I did put my wallet in my front pocket, and never had a problem with the backpacks. But you can use a tourist trick to stop them from cutting the bottom and getting your stuff. Get a little bit of that chicken wire, and like the sides and bag with a solid piece, that way when the do cut, you will only loose the fabric, not your camera or goods. But in my honest opinion, you don't really need to do this. Just be aware of your surroundings, and most of the other tourists are looking for the same thing, so they would warn you if anything happens.
Most of all, enjoy yourself!!! I love my pictures from there, I will try to attach one here...
Doug
www.tinypic.com/view/?pic=wlvul0
Message edited by author 2006-04-28 09:06:48. |
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04/28/2006 09:16:49 AM · #10 |
I didn't have a single problem when I was in Italy, but as someone mentioned there are children beggars, and in general the beggars can be much more aggressive than I've experienced in NYC and might try to steal. I would suggest steering clear of them, including the kids. They can "gang up" on you and some distract you while others rip you off.
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04/28/2006 09:18:28 AM · #11 |
Don't worry too much about pick pockets etc. The advice you hear is often precautionary and perhaps overstates the threat. I've been Italy and never felt under any type of threat - I always take my camera everywhere - that way I know it's safe, and I take photos of the things I want.
I only place I didn't take my camera out is in Sao Paulo last year, but again, I suspect I was being a little over cautious.
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04/28/2006 09:28:38 AM · #12 |
You're going to laugh at the hype when you get over there, this story is really over-blown. Are there pickpockets and people who might want to rob you? Sure, just like any other place in the world. The gypsy problem is a growing one but you're not going to be surrounded like some scene out of the Warriors.
Most people who find themselves with a missing purse or camera bag usually put the stuff down at their feet, then sat looking through a viewfinder for 60 seconds taking pictures of the Trevi Fountain, not paying attention to their stuff. Just use common sense like you would in any other city and you won't have any kind of problems at all.
Florence to me is one of the safest, cleanest cities I've ever been to. I hear they have this espresso called Jolly Caffe too that's rumored to be pretty good, give it a try ;-) |
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04/28/2006 09:33:02 AM · #13 |
For the most part, you just need to keep your belongings close to you, under clothing if possible, and do NOT get mixed up in really crowded situations. In Naples, in all the hustle and pushing to get on/off the train, the couple next to me had their wallet stolen. The gypsies tend to be pretty obvious, especially after a Vatican tour guide pointed them out to us. I have to say, though, I didn't have a bunch of crazy lenses and whatnot, just a little point and shoot digital thing that I could throw in my purse.
Added: Frankly, Italy is beautiful enough and so easy to shoot that all the lenses are unnecessary if you're truly worried about them. All I had was a 2 megapixel Nikon Coolpix, and I won a ribbon in a juried exhibition for one of my vacation snaps. ;-)
Message edited by author 2006-04-28 09:36:10.
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04/28/2006 09:36:26 AM · #14 |
I live only a few hours from Italy and have spent most of my holidays there for the last 15 years. I have never had any problems. Sure you hear of incidents but they happen anywhere in the world. As said keep your wits about you.
Once I left my backpack with my video camera in it on a park bench. Went back & it was gone. I went to the local police, and some honest person had turned it in there. Nothing missing! |
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04/28/2006 09:37:00 AM · #15 |
Just remember to pack long-johns and a thick woolly sweater, as it is normally quite cold there.
They are not good at coffee so take your own with you.
Stick to MacDonald’s for good food
And avoid the Ice cream, its not that good..
I think that it…
:-)
No… one more thought.
Avoid putting your wallet in you back pocket, and keep your camera around your neck. (Except when in the shower). Don’t wear socks with your sandals, nor plaid shorts …..
Enjoy yourself and don’t worry.
Message edited by author 2006-04-28 09:38:09. |
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04/28/2006 09:51:51 AM · #16 |
Originally posted by Artan:
They are not good at coffee so take your own with you.
Stick to MacDonald’s for good food
And avoid the Ice cream, its not that good.. |
um... you are kidding, right?
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04/28/2006 09:54:49 AM · #17 |
Originally posted by posthumous:
Originally posted by Artan:
They are not good at coffee so take your own with you.
Stick to MacDonald’s for good food
And avoid the Ice cream, its not that good.. |
um... you are kidding, right? |
:-) |
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04/28/2006 09:56:02 AM · #18 |
Originally posted by Artan:
Originally posted by posthumous:
Originally posted by Artan:
They are not good at coffee so take your own with you.
Stick to MacDonald’s for good food
And avoid the Ice cream, its not that good.. |
um... you are kidding, right? |
:-) |
whew!! you had me going there...
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04/28/2006 09:59:41 AM · #19 |
Originally posted by posthumous:
Originally posted by Artan:
Originally posted by posthumous:
Originally posted by Artan:
They are not good at coffee so take your own with you.
Stick to MacDonald’s for good food
And avoid the Ice cream, its not that good.. |
um... you are kidding, right? |
:-) |
whew!! you had me going there... |
Great Country Great Food and Drink,
The only problem I had was that I didn't have enough memory to take all the pictures I wanted becaues there is just too much to see.
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04/28/2006 10:14:43 AM · #20 |
Originally posted by Artan:
Originally posted by posthumous:
Originally posted by Artan:
They are not good at coffee so take your own with you.
Stick to MacDonald’s for good food
And avoid the Ice cream, its not that good.. |
um... you are kidding, right? |
:-) |
You forgot the important stuff => Don't bother looking at any pictures, paintings, statues e.t.c. Same goes for the old buildings :-))) |
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04/28/2006 10:28:46 AM · #21 |
I have been to Italy several times and there are lots of pickpockets around. Don't make the mistake of thinking that the only pickpockets are gypsies or that all gypsies are pickpockets.
I have never had a problem, and my camera has been visible almost all the time. I have travelled a lot and the following is imprinted on my brain:
-Don't carry a camera bag that screams "$$$$$worth of equipment".
-Don't carry all your money in the same place. Use a money belt inside your clothes for your money, cards and passport, and money to spend during the day somewhere else.
-Be careful on busses and trains. If anyone comes up to you, asking anything at all, be nice but be aware, their friends might be going for your things.
-Don't be so sure that you are smarter than the pickpockets :-)
-A friend of mine stood at Roma Termini (the big railway station) and some children came to her, asking questions. Instinctively, she went for her money belt, inside her trousers!!! And there was already a tiny little hand there. She didn't even feel it and she is a much travelled lady that has been to places much, much worse than Rome.
-A good thing when sitting down at a restaurant, especially if it is outdoors, it to put your own leg or the leg of your chair through a strap on your bag.
-Never ever, never ever leave anything valuable in a car. Not inside the boot, not anywhere.
-If you use locks or chains of any kind, be sure that they are somehow inside your bag; otherwise you are telling others that you have something there that is worth stealing.
-Get yourself a "watertight" insurancepolicy and remember that you have to contact the local police and report any theft. The insurance company is most likely going to ask for a written report from local police when you come home.
-Take copies or scan your passport, credit cards, drivers licence, visas and such and email it to yourself. That way you can at least access copies of your stuff, should you get robbed.
-Check out the Thorn Tree Forum on the Lonelay Planet site, always lots and lots of information and there are threads on just about any old spot on the planet, and any subject you could think of.
Enjoy your trip and remember that you can do so and be careful at the same time, it becomes a habit and does not mean you have do be bored.
One more thing. When you are in Venice, use the Vaporetti to get around when you are tired of walking. You can buy a ticket for a whole day and travel as much as you want. These are the local busses i.e. water/canal-busses. Venice is one of the most fascinating places in the world and even though there are very many tourists all year round, you can easily get away from the crowd and find peaceful places to explore and shoot.
Must be my longest post ever on this site..........
Edit ... spelling, but of course
Message edited by author 2006-04-28 10:30:42.
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04/28/2006 10:34:12 AM · #22 |
| Thanks for all the advice. I feel much better now. Can't wait and I will definitely bring my own ice cream from home (USA)! |
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04/28/2006 10:38:24 AM · #23 |
Funny story from Rome, in regards to this type of thing:
So we had just exited the Metro and were making our way up to the surface streets. We were the only ones in the corridor and then around the corner comes this diminuitive man yelping and calling towards us. He was acting fairly aggressive and grabbing his wrist then pointing to my traveling partner's wrist. With all the hype out there we decided there is a good chance this man was taking advantage of us being alone and wished to steal our watches....or more!
But something inside of me (probably my understanding side), halted from going down that cynical road. As the man approached gesturing loudly to his wrist to ours speaking in Italian, my fellow traveler decided it was time to turn and walk the opposite direction immediately. But the aggressive man now made a direct path for us....
Watch...point....Wristwatch...point...he didn't want to steal our belongings, he wanted to know the time of day. He came right up to us and we stayed cautious but eventually after looking at our watches he thanked us and moved on.
Lesson: Cautious not cynical. Thoughtful but understanding. Europe is not a mass of pickpocketers. It is a group of countries of normal people with the occasional lawbreaker mixed in. No bad experiences here in all my European travels.....well, except that time when I was 17 and a lewd gay man in Paris made obscene gestures towards me...I took direct action and punched that dude in the face!
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04/28/2006 10:42:13 AM · #24 |
Originally posted by Cutter:
well, except that time when I was 17 and a lewd gay man in Paris made obscene gestures towards me...I took direct action and punched that dude in the face! |
Oh, is it still okay to punch homosexuals in Europe? Here in America our thoughtful Republican legislators are trying to undo all that inconvenient hate-crime legislation, but it's not easy.
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04/28/2006 10:42:52 AM · #25 |
Originally posted by lnede:
Thanks for all the advice. I feel much better now. Can't wait and I will definitely bring my own ice cream from home (USA)! |
Oh, and one more thing. Eat where the Italians eat. Cheaper and better food than you get at the average tourist-place. Do your own math = calculate how much you have ordered, they have a habit of asking for too much. You just point out how much it is supposed to be and they'll give in. They are really friendly, the Italians, and if you make sure to learn a few phrases before you go there, they'll love you to bits.
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