Travelling with camera gear in Rome - pickpockets!

[janepettigrew]

Hi everyone,

I'm not sure which forum to stick this in. I'm lucky enough to be travelling to Italy in a few weeks, and my main pastime will be taking photos with my Nikon D90 and assorted gear.

I've just spent my weekend reading about the pickpockets (the gangs of gypsy kids/women with babies/people who shove cardboard in your face/the bag slashers) around Rome, and basically how they target people who look like tourists/have cameras etc. Now I'm pretty good with how I carry money etc (money belt under the clothes against the skin), but I was a little worried about my Nikon D90 and gear. I'm travelling with my husband, who hopefully could scare off anyone (he's a body builder type), but well, I'm just paranoid, lol.

I have a lowepro flipside 300 backpack, which is pretty pickpocket proof (one zipper at my back), but I was planning on keeping my camera firmly around my neck the entire time we're wandering the ancient city. I do hate having to stop, open it, take it out, close it, when I'm going to be basically taking photos the entire time.

Anyone here travelled to Rome, or have any stories on how they've avoided/didn't avoid the pickpockets? I need my paranoia put to rest. I don't want a ruined holiday because of these ungrateful people.

I'd really appreciate any advice or stories from anyone who has travelled with their camera to this area.

Thanks
Jane

[xxpinballxx]

Im not sure there is much you can do besies the obvious...stay alert, be leary of locals coming up close to you and trying to confuse you or distract you.....WIth the bag you got carry it in the front (Like a papoose) and avoid really crowded places where bumping into people would be the norm. I think staying clear of the people and staing alert should be enough. Also I always wrap my strap around my wrist once that way if they do grab it its going to become a tug of war.
Also I would think about just taking the body and an all around lens and leave the bag and the rest of the gear in the hotel room safe. You might find you are needed a lens for a shot or two but at least you'll come home with your camera gear!

[janepettigrew]

Thanks,
that's what I was planning on doing. I am only taking the body and my 17-200mm lens, which covers a multitude of situations. We'll probably go out and set up with the tripod for a few night shots, but believe me, we're going to stand VERY close to the rig when we're taking those.

Thanks for your help,
Cheers
Jane

[junglebear]

I shoot almost exclusively in cities, often in crowded areas. I always wrap the strap round my hand and then just have my camera in my hand the whole time. It might feel a bit restricting but if you're just walking round taking pictures it's not really a problem.
Be extra wary on the metro (if there is one in Rome, I think there is) as that's a popular spot for pickpockets (here in Madrid at least).

Oh and if a gypsy tries to give you a sprig of lavender, don't accept it!