Secure the shot - Focus on Open theft

As photographers, you thrive on being in the moment, capturing emotion and adapting to fast-moving environments. But while you’re focused on creating your best work, thieves are often focused on something else: your equipment. You’ll know first hand that photography equipment is expensive and highly desirable, making it a common target for opportunistic theft, and open theft happens more times than you might think.

Understanding how your equipment is covered under your insurance and what actions you need to take to stay protected is crucial. In this particular ‘Secure the shot’ article, we’ll explore open theft, what it means for your equipment to be accompanied and how distraction theft can catch even the most experienced photographers off guard.

What is open theft?

Open theft refers to the stealing of your equipment when it’s out in the open, on view, accessible, and not adequately secured or supervised. Open theft often happens while you’re actively using the equipment or when it’s placed nearby you, perhaps while shooting using a secondary camera, changing a lens or simply grabbing a drink. This type of theft doesn’t involve threat, forced entry or breaking locks, it happens quickly, quietly and often in plain sight. Think of a lens taken from a table at a wedding venue while you step away to get a group shot; its easily done, its quick but the outcome is costly and quite annoying for you, too.

What does “accompanied” actually mean then?

In insurance terms, an item is considered “accompanied” if it is within your close, direct line of sight and close enough that you can intervene if someone tried to take anything. If your camera equipment is on the ground five metres away while you’re photographing a scene, or if it’s behind you while your back is turned, insurers may argue that it was unattended, therefore not accompanied at the time of loss and therefore uninsured by your insurance policy. Ultimately, your equipment is your responsibility and staying with your equipment at all times is vitally important. Please do what you can to keep your equipment in front of you and in your line of sight.

Question: You are at an event and have been asked by event staff to leave your equipment in a designated area which they indicate to you. Do you just take their word for it? No, well not immediately anyway.

Always ask and observe the following:

1. Who actually is it that has asked you to place your equipment here? Is it a member of security or just regular floor staff?
2. What checks have you made with the event organisers, or the person assigning you the place of storage, to ensure security of your equipment when left?
3. Is the area guarded by security at all times?
4. Are there security doors to gain access, locked or accessible by fob entry?
5. Is there public access to this area?
6. Is the area covered by CCTV?
7. What guarantees have the venue provided you with if the items are taken from this space through a failing of the security to be present, as they’ve told you there would be?

If it is apparent that there is insufficient security in place or you are not comfortable with leaving your equipment in the space assigned, don’t leave it there. The more guarantees and safety checks you make up front, you’ll know if your equipment is secure enough or not.

What is distraction theft?

Distraction theft is a growing threat to Photographers, especially in crowded or busy environments such as events. It involves a thief (or an organised group) deliberately drawing your attention elsewhere whilst an accomplice makes off with your equipment.

Examples include:

• Someone asking for directions while another lifts your bag.
• A staged commotion (like a dropped drink or argument) near your setup.
• An individual posing as a curious onlooker, or even a fellow photographer, just to get close.

These thefts are intentional, rehearsed, and often very subtle. They rely on your momentary lapse in attention, making them especially dangerous during shoots when you’re focused on your subject. Please remain vigilant at all times and again, keep your equipment close.

What happens if you don’t take the right precautions?

If a theft occurs and it’s determined that the equipment was:

• Unattended,
• Not accompanied,
• Or left vulnerable to distraction or open theft…

…then your insurer might refuse the claim completely, or reduce the settlement, depending on the Insurer and the circumstances involved. Some policies explicitly exclude cover for items stolen in these ways unless strict conditions are met so always check your policy cover so you know exactly what your exposures are and what you need to do be doing in order to remain insured at all times.

How to protect yourself and your equipment

Here are some practical tips to reduce risk and stay covered:

• Always keep your equipment in front of you and in direct line of sight, close enough to intervene should anyone try to steal anything.
• Use a secure, lockable bag or peli case, especially when working in public spaces.
• If you must step away, assign a trusted colleague or assistant to watch over your equipment and ensure that they remain present and vigilant to the risks around. They need to watch this equipment like its their own.
• Stay alert to anyone acting strangely around your setup, especially during moments of distraction. Move if you feel at risk.
• Familiarise yourself with the terms of your insurance – know what “accompanied” means in your policy wording and speak to your insurance provider if you need to run through certain circumstances or situations with them for your peace of mind.

Summary

Losing your equipment to theft is more than just inconvenient – it can disrupt your business, delay your work, and result in significant out-of-pocket costs if your insurance claim is rejected. Open theft, unattended equipment, and distraction thefts are all risks you face on any shoot, at any time, but by staying aware, staying close to your equipment and understanding how your cover works, you can focus on what you do best.

If you need help checking your current cover or getting insured properly, talk to a broker who specialises in photography insurance and understands the real-world scenarios you face every day.