Keeping your photography equipment safe from theft
Photographers know how essential their equipment is: without cameras, lenses and other tech, they can’t work. It’s also valuable, portable and easy to resell, making it an attractive target for thieves, especially when you’re out and about on location. Luckily, there are simple things you can do to protect your equipment at home, in transit and on location, reducing the risk of theft and making it easier to make an insurance claim if the worst happens.
Protecting your equipment at home
Making sure your equipment is stored securely can make all the difference:
- Store your gear in locked cabinets or safes, or bolt it down
- Avoid leaving equipment visible near windows or entrances
- Use a room with restricted access
Home security measures like alarm systems and motion sensors, CCTV or smart cameras, and an inventory list with serial numbers and photos will also deter theft and make it easier to claim.
Staying safe while travelling
The simplest way to keep your kit safe while travelling is to use discreet luggage and never leave it unattended:
- Choose camera bags without expansive branding
- Use anti-theft backpacks made from slash-resistant materials and with hidden zips
- Be cautious in busy, public spaces
- If you must leave your bags in parked vehicles, make sure they’re out of sight
Protecting gear on location
The best two things you can do on location are staying aware and using security tools.
That means:
- Always knowing where your equipment is, keeping bags closed and secured when you aren’t using them, and using straps or harness systems for cameras
- Securing bags with cable ties, using tripod locks when you’re shooting, and using GPS tracking devices
- If you can, ask a trusted assistant to watch your equipment
Marking and tracking your equipment
Registering and labelling your gear will save a lot of time if you need to make a claim so make sure you record serial numbers, use invisible UV marking or discreet labels to identify your kit, and register it with manufacturer databases if possible.
Using GPS tracking devices and enabling smartphone alerts will make it easier to recover stolen equipment and support an insurance claim.
Make sure you have the right insurance
No matter how vigilant you are, sometimes it’s not enough and you’ll need to make an insurance claim so it’s vital you have the right cover.
Specialist cover should protect your equipment from theft at home, in transit or on location; it should cover the cost of hiring replacement kit so you can keep working; and crucially, your policy must reflect the current value and include all items you use regularly.
What to do if your equipment is stolen
Responding quickly after a theft is the best way to retrieve your kit and make sure your business isn’t impacted:
- Report the theft to the police immediately
- Contact your insurer as soon as possible
- Provide serial numbers, photos and proof of ownership
- Notify manufacturers or online databases where your kit is listed
Be prepared
Your kit is your livelihood. Keep it safe and get the right insurance.
