Something that happened last week really hit home for me. Everyone probably already has heard, as it has been reported by almost every single news agency in the world; Australian photographer Brett Costello was robbed of $40,000 of camera gear in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil last week while in town to cover the Olympics. However, this article isn't about him specifically.
Most of the readers don't know, but I live in Lima, Peru, which is right next to Brazil for us that are geographically challenged. I would like to share with everyone what I have dealt with and continue to deal with on a daily basis as a professional photographer working in South America. Besides telling everyone about my own personal experiences, I hope to bring light to this subject that maybe many outsiders don't realize is going on here, and start a discussion.
People usually associate being mugged with dark alleys or in an empty parking lot at night like in the main image above. Not in Lima, Peru, Not in South America. People are robbed here on a daily basis, broad daylight, and with lots of people around. Especially artists such as photographers and videographers, as we rely on using expensive equipment to make our art, we are constantly a target.
San Juan de Lurigancho in Peru. A poorer district of Lima, where lots of criminal activity originates from.
Unfortunately in my almost five years of living and working in Lima, I have been a victim of theft twice, and had a third close call. The first time was a face to face mugging where I did not loose any of my camera gear, but I did loose many other possessions, the second time was a robbery I wasn't present for, but that time I did lose a lot of photography equipment.
Let me explain, I won't get into tons of details (If anyone is that curious about the details, just ask me in the comments, and I will be happy to explain and answer any questions you have), but the first time I was robbed, it was very similar to what happened to Mr. Costello in Brazil last week, minus the decoy to distract me. They robbed me of everything I had on me at the time, middle of the day, sun out, public place with people nearby, two police officers just around the corner. They were very well organized and prepared, it was over in seconds and they jumped in a getaway car that was waiting and gone in the blink of the eye. They knew exactly what they were doing, and seemed like they had done it a thousand times.
Also just like in Rio de Janeiro, nobody seemed surprised, not even the police. After I located two officers nearby maybe a minute later and told them what just happened to me. They seemed very nonchalant, told me it is over, they are gone already. I knew everything they took was gone forever, and I would never see it again,
It was also was reported a few days ago, Mr. Costello ended up catching two of the guys who robbed him, by noticing them inside an Olympic venue wearing his very vest they stole from him! And one the criminals is actually from Peru! I am curious if these criminals actually traveled into Brazil from Peru just to steal at the Olympics, knowing how many thousands of photographers are there with expensive equipment, I wouldn't be shocked at all. These criminals are smart and very well calculated for the most part. Unfortunately Mr. Costello probably will never see any of his gear again either, like me. As they do here in Lima, the goods exchange hands multiple times, and then pawned off almost immediately.
The second time I was a victim of robbery here in South America, I was not present, and did not have to deal with being robbed face to face again. But the company that I work for was doing a video production, and I lent them a bunch of my equipment for the job. A camera, a couple lenses, my tripod, and a few accessories. I was supposed to have it all returned to me in 24 hours, but that never happened. They were a group of eight people working on the video shoot together that day, but two guys with guns robbed them all! They took everything they had. They thought they felt safe in numbers, but it doesn't matter. Even if you are a group of twenty people, they will use five guys with guns, and nothing you can do it about. Your life is worth more than anything, so you just have to give them what they want, and not fight back. You can replace a camera, you can not replace your life.
I even had a third close call, when working at an event here in Lima. I had a shoulder bag on, and lucky enough I felt something not right. I turned around to find someone with there hand inside my bag! I had an extra lens in there, and If I did not feel him and turn around at that moment, he would have taken the lens and took off.
The Plaza de Armas in Lima, Peru. Normally a prime spot for criminals to pickpocket and do grab and run type crimes. On election day, as seen here, the plaza is closed off to the public. It is the only time you will ever see this plaza empty. It is normally filled with people and tourists.
Cameras and lenses are so expensive in Peru. Depending on what, and how much gear you are buying, it can even be cheaper with airfare to fly to New York, and buy it at B&H, than buying it here in Lima alone.
For example, a Canon 5D Mark III as of today is $2,599 brand new at B&H; here right now in Lima at an authorized Canon seller, it costs $3,562.26. A Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM costs $125 at B&H today, and is $191.13 here in Lima. That is over a $1,000 difference to buy the combo! Not only can I fly to New York to buy it at B&H, I can also see my family, and I will still have a few hundred dollars left over. Amazing!
I know people can be robbed anytime, anywhere, no place is 100% safe; but it is an epidemic here in Lima, Peru, and from what I read and hear it a huge issue in all of South America. Unfortunately I feel this will not be the only story of a photographer being robbed we all hear about in the news before the Olympics come to end in a couple of weeks. And not just the thousands of professionals there working, but also the more than half a million tourists expected to visit Rio over the next two weeks. The criminals know they have been coming for years, and I am sure have been planning this for months in advance.
It is disgusting what goes on, but it is actually the one and only thing I dislike about living in Peru; the crime and the delinquency. Everything else here is great for me and I am very happy. Besides these bad people ruining it for everyone else, the majority of the people here are amazing. They are over the top friendly, strangers make you feel like family, the food is outstanding, costs of living is less, just a wonderful culture. The funny thing is, even with all the crime, for some reason, I feel less stress in my life living here, I am not sure why that is exactly, or how to describe that, but it is the truth. It is very sad for me to see such a beautiful place have such an ugly side to it.
Miraflores at sunset. One of the safer and more upscale neighborhoods in Peru, but crime still occurs here.
If anyone wants to share there own personal stories of having photo or video equipment stolen, be it in the United States, while abroad, working on an assignment, or just out shooting for fun, feel free to share. Maybe your story can prevent someone from experiencing the same fate in the future. Crime happens everywhere, but it is on an whole other level here in South America.
I hope your comment was full of sarcasm. People don't have the luxury to decide where they are born and this shouldn't stop you from living your life. To some having a family is the only thing that keeps you from not giving up in life. Sadly stealing and other criminal activity is a "easy way" to get bread on the table in those parts of the world.
Imagine yourself into their shoes (or a shoe if you can't afford a pair), if you met a girl - would your financial state stop you from not starting a family (and not knowing a better way of living since you were born in the slums and might not be as well educated) and what would you (and your family) do to survive? Not to live, but to survive - there is a difference.
Don't get me wrong Pete - I know you have a point there. BUT what your comment means is that poor people should die alone and shouldn't even consider to have a family of their own. This bugs me - you wouldn't even give them a chance. Not everything is pure black and white.
I get your point so I see no reason to continue this matter, you have your opinion and I have mine. Have a nice day.
I'm sorry but I seem to always agree with Pete. If they are so poor that they can justify stealing then they shouldn't be making babies.
There are over 30 Million people in Peru. More than half of them live in poverty. I would imagine a very very small percentage of them are committing these types of crimes, and now giving the rest of the ''good' people a bad name. There are millions and millions of poor people in Peru surviving and getting by without resorting to a life of crime.
Did you have insurance? I worry about theft quite often and decided to buy an insurance plan with a low deductible
If I was still living in the USA, I would 100% have all my gear insured. But as far as insurance living in Peru, it is like car insurance for first time drivers in the usa. The cost of coverage I would have to pay is about 50% of the value of the gear, the insurance company knows there is huge possibility I will have it stolen and they will have to cut me a check, so there rates reflect that. It is just not economical for me or in my budget right now.
I went to Russia, Saint Petersburg (some may know this city by its previous names Petrograd and Leningrad) and we were a large group of people. I witnessed a robbery 2 meters (thats around 6½ feet to you americans) in front of me. It was on broad daylight and people around. Three guys came out of nowhere and two of them grabbed the hands of the victim. Third one searched all the pockets and after a few seconds it was over and the men disappeared into the crowd. Luckily only a wallet went missing. Moments later one of the robbers came back and gave the man back his wallet, all cards in (probably copied) but cash was the only thing missing. We had plenty of cameras and other equipment with us and luckily none of that got taken.
Wow! sound exactly how they do it here and what happened to me.......minus the robber coming back to return my wallet.
Jeez, what a story! It's a completely different part of the world that I live in, I guess. Personally, I tend to lose stuff in the woods rather than getting mugged. No dangerous wild animals here in the Dutch countryside either, but I think your article is a stark reminder of how we've come to be a little too comfortable with thousands of dollars strapped to our shoulders. Kudo's, Dustin!
Yes it was quite the bit of culture shock when I first got here. I was in an extreme state of being comfortable in the USA.......The forrest sounds nice right about now.
@Daniel, I was in Maastricht this year. I know one of the "flikken" (Flemish for cops) working there. He warned me for pickpockets. So take care in the Netherlands too. But not so dangerous as in Peru or Brasil.
A tip I got from people is to use duct tape on your camera so it looks broken and less saleable.
And also watch this youtube movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YWaloz-Duw
Damn. I just began saving money for a hitchhiking trip (Peru-Bolivia-Chile-Antarctica) that I want to do next year with my fiance (wife by the time). I only have a Fuji X-Pro (small and incognito) so I'm hoping for the best. I hope my trip to the other side of the planet won't end up with us getting robbed... :-D
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That sounds like it would be an incredible trip with your wife! I am sure it will be amazing. But you do have to be extremely cautious hitchhiking, be it in south america or anywhere else in the world.
It's so silly how gun lovers think that by carrying guns they will protect themselves. In many places in South America a lot of people are carrying guns, (legally or not) and we still suffer from the highest insecurity levels in the world. Those who say that's okay to carry a gun are you sure you are not going to hesitate killing someone? Are you certain you are willing to take the life of another human been as you are all saying? When been robbed taking a gun out only works if you are going to kill the robber, showing it will not protect you anyway.
You just need more and bigger guns and you'll be safe, thank god for the second amendment.
Sarcasm aside, I believe that carrying guns could be at least a deterrent and maybe you won't be a target of unarmed robbers, thus reducing your chances of being robbed, even if slightly.
The criminals in Peru, or ''Piranhas'' are they are called here, because they always attack in numbers......they are also always armed weather it be guns or knives. Unfortunately a gun won't help you, if 3 guys with knives sneak up behind you and hold you down.
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I have never been to Bolivia before, I would love to come visit one day!
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Same here in Peru, almost all of the drugs are exported! I saw much worse drugs available and people with severe drug problem in New Jersey than I do in Lima.
On a somewhat related note I took a trip to Honduras last spring to do a photo project. I had medium format gear and several smaller cameras and either through luck or just being a savvy traveler (with a local guide) I made it back with all my gear. The night I got back to Denver I left my car (an old Subaru) unlocked with nothing of high value in it and it got rummaged through over night. Someone took all my spare change and a few other small items and made a mess of the car.
I found it interesting that I had no trouble in Central America but then when I let my guard down in a pretty affluent city it caught up with me then.
I don't think I'd ever carry a gun but I do carry bear spray which would also be effective on a person. I've never had a situation where I thought I might have to use it on anyone.
That is a crazy story. Going through Honduras with a ton of photo gear with zero issues, and than getting your car ransacked in Denver afterwards. Crime is everywhere! But you have to think of the odds and stats. Even if 1% of the population experiences being a victim of crime, when you have 30 million people, 1% is a lot of people!!
I had a small bag modified for the equivalent of $20 for that purpose. The bag looks nothing like a camera bag and appears to only accommodate a small DSLR. I actually fit in my Nikon D4s with a heavy prime (Sigma 50mm f1.4 ART). It has a very discreet zip at the bottom and I can take shots with it without event getting the camera out. I used it last year in Central America and fingers crossed nothing bad happened. I carried a machete by my side pretty much at all time though, primarily to open coconuts but also to put off people. Obviously had I been pointed a gun in my face I would have gladly given the bag away ! And insurance is expensive but I felt relieved having one...
The bag sounds nice, I am trying to imagine taking photos without even removing the camera from the bag, but it sounds interesting. I imagine the machete at your side was a great deterrent : )
Not my greatest pic but I shot this with my system
If you can't replace them, paying for insurance ( there are insurance companies who cover theft outdoors as well ) is a very good idea.
Better spend some cash on insurance than losing 5k$ of equipment while you can't afford more than 1k$ per year on gear for example. Just sayin'
The cost to insure camera gear in Peru is so astronomical, it just does not make financial sense. When I first looked into about 4 years ago, many companies said they would not even offer me insurance, and the ones that did charged almost 50% of the value of the gear!
Hi Dustin, It’s a pity how you got robbed at Lima. Please, could you tell us more about how and where in Lima it happened?. I’m there right now and would be helpful to be aware of those places and the way they do it.
Unfortunately nothing I tell you will really ''help'' you or prevent anything. When I was robbed outside, it was midday, light out, police nearby, very public place......in a area considered a safer neighborhood, with lots of tourists. I stay away from the districts considered dangerous. There was really nothing I could have done at all to prevent it from happening, besides staying inside and not going anywhere. I was just at the wrong place at the wrong time, bad luck. Enjoy Peru while you are here, besides what I say, it is a beautiful country with an amazing culture!
Last summer (Peru summer dec-jan) I was in Peru. It was a wonderfull experience/holiday! My girlfriend is Peruvian; so lucky for me. We did a 5 week trip (Cuzco, Huacachine, ...)with an uncle who lives there. And I'm lucky that he travelled with us, the whole tour. He told me when I could take my camera to take pictures. The uncle lives in Rimac. He says: it's the 'unsafe' area of Lima. After 6 pm it was not possible for me, to take my camera bag outside. He said that it's too dangerous. Even on other places where I could, people were looking at me. While here in Antwerp (Belgium), it is normal. Once I go back, I will be aware of it. Great post!
That is great! Outside of Lima.....Cusco, etc. Crime is not like in the city of Lima. What you say about Rimac (Which yes, is considered an Unsafe neighborhood) is so interesting. If you are with someone from the area, who lives there and is respected by the community, you can literally walk down the street with all the valuables you want, and nobody will bother you. Because the criminals also know the guy you are with, and do not want to cause trouble with him. I have experienced this myself in districts like La Victoria, known to be hubs for gang activity.......Let me know when your back in Lima!
That's what the uncle said, they know him and that's a big help. But still, I never took my camera out of the bag in that neighbourhood. It would be nice to take pictures there. People how they live etc...
This is why I use a Lowepro Flipside. Access to the important camera and lens storage is against the back, not open to the outside. It is nearly impossible to gain access to it without me knowing as it involves removing the entire pack. It also has no outward camera bag indicators other than the Lowepro symbol. It can be a pain to get things out sometimes but it gives me a little bit of a sense of security.
Also, insurance. Get it. It is usually included in most renters and homeowners policies. Get a police report and file. Just make sure you keep your underwriter up to date on the values.
I have seen the Flipside before, and it is a great bag. Perfect to prevent from pickpockets, and people trying to pull something out of your bag while you are wearing. I guess there is no way for them to into it. But you have to remove the camera to use it, and if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time, and the wrong person notices it. Even after you put the camera away, they know it is in there. And they will call there buddies and follow you, and take the entire bag as soon as they see an opportunity. Just like with Brett Costello in Rio last week............As for insurance, it is not an option for me living in Peru. The cost for coverage is just too astronomical, and does not make financial sense for me.
I have it too. The Lowepro 300
Wes, a sturdy monopod will do the job to fighting off "tiny scary animals."
I managed to survive another unarmed night in the wild last night. Somehow...
This is why my insurance policies are underwritten by Hecker & Koch, Sig Sauer or Glock.
Just spread the rumour that camerabags are used by IS. So every bag is a threat. Maybe you are more visited by the police, but ok, you are safe. ;)
Dustin, thank you for sharing your story. I was assaulted in Maputo in September. I deliberately bought an iphone 5 from my brother-in-law so that if anyone with a gun or knife asked for it I could hand it over without hesitation. I was taking pictures, putting it in my pocket, and taking pictures again. They just assumed they wanted it. They probably had better phones already. They had no way to know it was an old phone, with a passcode. They didn’t ask for anything, they assaulted me, and it was only while we were fighting that I figured out what they wanted. Crazy enough, I won the fight (two of them, one with a knife). I obviously was more difficult than they were expecting (I advocate for martial arts training). They ran off. But it has an emotional impact too. The next time I went out to take pictures I paid a man to accompany me, and I felt weird about it. I feel better about it thanks to your story. I’m going to Peru in September. I decided not to spend a day enjoying Lima, but to spend some time acclimating in Arequipa. I know assaults can happen anywhere and I know most roberies, even in Maputo, do not involve assaults, but I also know that as this will be my first trip since that one that I’ll be tense. Are Arequipa and Cusco better? On my way back I may spend the night in Lima and I was thinking of attending the water light show - and not bringing a camera to it.
real crime. Very sad.