Does Anyone Worry About Getting Mugged?

[Jack Lynt]

I don't know if this is a silly question or concern, or not.

I've noticed discussions here in which people talk about how people go out, or should go out, to parks or wherever to practice shooting and get video etcetera.

Whenever I think about doing that, I think about how I'll be alone, with my gear, and I can't help imagining the possibility of drawing attention from the wrong people, people who might covet the gear, or perhaps more likely, the money they think they might get from selling the gear, and who might take the opportunity to seize it by force.

I worry about losing the expensive gear that way, of course. But more than that I worry about the potential assault, or worse, that might come with it.

Does this concern anyone else? Do you only go out with one or more friends? Do you conceal and carry (only half joking about that...and half not joking about that)? Do you carry pepper spray? Or does it never cross your mind? Is it something that's just not a real hazard? You should just get out there and shoot something and the great probability is you'll never run into that?

Just curious what others think or don't think about it.

 

[sfoster]

I always carry $100 cash.
If people mug you and you don't have cash to give them it can quickly turn into assault. It's a well spent $100 if you've got it.

When I did a music video recently I traveled to some of The Wire locations in Baltimore and I've never seen neighborhoods that bad before. Some houses were derelict without roofs and it was definitely not a nice part of the city.

I also carried pepper spray but it's really dangerous to fight back against a knife. Not for everyone to attempt.

 

[Jack Lynt]

Great tips from someone with real experience. Thank you. I'll try to follow them.

 

[SkyCopeland]

I recently had a class mate venture to Cocoa Beach and went inside an abandoned mansion to shoot a music video... I feel like these are the worst possible situations to put yourself... like abandoned buildings and amusement parks... You're trespassing and out of sight of anyone if something were to go bad.

Personally I have the same worry as you so I take advantage of living in a high population city (albeit the high crime rate as well) when practicing my camera techniques or gear I always make sure to go to a high density area such as Baldwin Park or Downtown Disney. I don't know much about Wisconsin, but I'd assume you have some similar highly busy day time areas?

 

[SixOhThree]

I agree with SkyCopeland, it's all about knowing where to shoot and where not to. Even in a big city with high crime rates there are still plenty of areas where it's perfectly safe to use your expensive gear.

In Boston there are plenty of urban areas that can look like crummy neighborhoods on film, but in reality there are always plenty of people walking around and a very low chance of being victimized publicly.

In my experience, if you're using a camera that looks even remotely professional you'll attract curious onlookers who will try to ruin your footage by walking into your shot and waving at the camera. I'd much rather deal with annoying people than dangerous people.

 

[directorik]

I don't know if this is a silly question or concern, or not.

You know your area. If there is a lot of mugging in a particular
park or whatever then you need to be cautious. If the park or
whatever is traditionally a safe place with a low crime rate you
will most likely be safe with your equipment.