Leica Store Robberies - San Francisco store is latest for 180k

[Ted Hoppe]

Most recent Leica store - Leica stores world wide are being plague by armed robbery.

https://petapixel.com/2022/11/28/lei...-178k-in-gear/
Leica Store in San Francisco Robbed at Gunpoint of $178K in Gear



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Not much other information has been shared. Of note, the SF Chronicle reports that the armed robbery comes just a week after both Mayor London Breed and San Francisco Police Department Chief Bill Scott assured locals that the area was safe for holiday shopping and urged them to return. ABC7 reports that the pleas appear to be working as the area has seen more traffic over compared to last year, but despite the increase in police presence, the smash-and-grab robberies that have plagued the area for at least the last year are clearly a problem.

Camera equipment has proven to be a high-priority target for thieves in San Francisco. Since the equipment cannot be locked by an owner like smartphones, tablets, and computers can, they tend to be much more tantalizing considering their high value. That means that photographers are often targeted, especially in the city by the bay. Thieves are becoming more brazen as well. Many recent assaults on photographers and their equipment have happened in broad daylight. In addition to the Leica Store robbery which happened in the early afternoon, so did the attack at the Palace of Fine arts as well as a separate armed robbery near the Golden Gate Bridge where a camera crew was robbed of $35,000 in equipment in March.

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I have really begun to shown extra care with my own equipment when on assignments. I do take public transportation with my large kit and often seen loading up in public spaces. I also have been followed home.