Securing the shot - Focus on theft from unattended vehicles

As a photographer, you’ll know that your equipment is more than just gear — it’s essential to your livelihood, your ability to deliver on the reputation you’ve built up and, ultimately, your ability to capture moments in the highest of quality. You’ll also know that sometimes, due to travel demands, leaving equipment in a vehicle you are operating is simply unavoidable. Whether you’re shooting back-to-back events or taking a much-needed break between jobs, your vehicle often becomes your temporary storage facility. But unfortunately, this convenience can come with its risks. In this article, PhotoShield discusses how to help mitigate these risks, helping you to secure your shots.

The Reality of Vehicle Theft

Opportunistic theft from vehicles remains one of the most common claims in photography insurance. Thieves often target vehicles that look like they might contain valuable electronics or professional gear, particularly at larger events whereby there is a concentration of potential victims. Thieves don’t need long though, even a quick stop at a petrol station or café can be enough time for a break-in to occur so you need to always remain vigilant.

Mitigations – What steps can I take to avoid theft?

While PhotoShield has your back when the unexpected happens, we all agree that prevention is always better than cure. Here are some simple but effective steps to reduce your risk:

1. Secure your vehicle

When leaving the vehicle unattended, even for a short period of time, please ensure that the vehicle is locked with all windows fully closed. Complacency can lead to losses.

2. Keep your equipment out of sight

We get it, sometimes you are in a rush and may overlook the basics but never leave anything visible in your vehicle. Theft of equipment from backseats and footwells is all too common so use the boot of your vehicle and ensure that all valuables are stored away securely. It is almost guaranteed for claims to be dismissed by an Insurer if you have made no attempt to store the equipment safely and securely, so don’t leave yourself, and your equipment, exposed.

3. Park smart

In darkness, always choose a well-lit, busy area or secure car parks with CCTV wherever possible. Thieves are far less likely to act in full public view, or in areas where the noise created brings unwanted attention to their activities.

4. Consider additional layers of security

Vehicle alarms, dash cams and lock boxes within your car can help with “smash and grab” prevention. Window tints can also act as a further visual additional deterrent.

5. Don’t linger

Avoid leaving equipment in the car for prolonged periods. If you must leave it, keep the duration to an absolute minimum and check back whenever you are able.

6. Mark your kit

The use of asset labels and/or invisible UV markers on your own gear can help. Whilst it’s true that this step won’t stop theft, it can help with recovery efforts and can also help prevent onward sale, making the equipment difficult for the thief to move on and make money from.

Claims

If you are the subject of theft from an unattended vehicle, please ensure that the loss is reported to the Police immediately, with a Police reference number obtained. Please take images of the vehicle showing the forcible and violent entry to your vehicle and ensure that these are passed to your Insurer and/or your Insurance Broker when reporting the matter to them. Please also obtain any CCTV footage that may be present.

Regularly updating your equipment list and keeping proof of ownership, serial numbers, and receipts for all insured items is very important. Having this all to hand (should you have theft from unattended vehicle cover on your insurance policy) speeds up the claims process enormously which in turn, ensures that your claims settlement is with you much, much faster.