I was robbed today. Again....

[jgredline]

Hi folks, Have you ever been robbed? I have many times and it stinks every single time. My passion is photography. I love it as a hobby. I have been offered many paying jobs to do it, but refuse because then it will no longer be a hobby...Today, I went to the Santa Anita race track to shoot some horses...To make a long story Short my brand new Canon G9 with spare battery and 2 gig card was stolen from me today..I had it strapped to my camera bag and when I sat down, I remember this innocent looking couple sitting down next to me making small talk..They set me up and did it so quick, by the time I realized it was gone it was too late..I had only used it three times...And while I am saddened that it is gone, I praise God, because quickly I am reminded that it is only a thing and there are far greater things of importance going on all around me....It also provided a good chance to teach my two kids, that things are just that...Things...We have a place live and food to eat..There are many who do not have this..Could I replace it? Yes, but I decided I do not need it and so I will not replace it...

[brmill26]

Javier, that's terrible. The level to which some people stoop is hard to believe sometimes. At least you're taking a positive outlook from it.

[Greg McCary]

Sorry to hear this Javier. I am glad you are taking it so well. And yes my house was broke into in the early 80's and I lost a very expensive firearm. But they could have got a ton more if they had just looked around more. once they found the firearm they quit

[RP Racing]

Last time we had someone break into my house, the guy had the pleasure of staring down the barrel of my Remington 7400 .30-06. Dumb retard had the nerve to take a step towards me after I told him to stop. One round right next to his ear from 20' into the doors frame. Cops found him down the street huddled in a ball crying. Claimed someone just shot at him when he was walking down the street. The shoe print on the door matched his shoe perfectly. Freaking rookie cop gave me a hard time though. Said I could had killed the guy. Other cop got a good laugh when I told the rookie, "if I wanted him dead, he'd be dead". Older cop laughed since he knows our whole family. Also not much they would do to a 15yr old responding to a home invader.

BTW dont ever shoot a deer rifle in a house. Its LOOOOOUUUUUDDDDD!!!!

[RP Racing]

Actually the last time we got robbed was right before moving to a new house. Had all my tools in boxes in the garage (detached about 50' from the house) and someone broke into the garage and took all teh tools. Had an idea who did it but couldnt prove it. Freaking former friend.

[Bigcity]

That is terrible Javier. I don't even live in a big town and am paranoid about it.

[Liz]

Javier,
I'm so sorry about your loss. I'm wondering if you reported it to the police? There is a (very small) chance it might show up somewhere - and you'll get it back. I suppose this is unrealistic, but it has happened. If these people get picked up for doing this to someone else you could get your camera back. Maybe you could be of help to the police since you were up close and personal with the couple.

Just a thought.

Liz

[mn shutterbug]

That's a tough break. I'm sorry to hear it. However, I do respect your attitude, regarding this mishap. At least, unlike the thieves I'm sure, you realize what is really important in life. It's great to pass those values on to your children.

[Lori11]

I am so sorry to hear that I need to be more careful with my things, I am very trusting and I can not afford to replace any of it. You have a great attitude

[jgredline]

Hi Folks..Thanks for the very kind comments...I am not in the least bit bitter or upset....I have been through far worse as have many others!!!
Here are some pics I took today with my Pentax...

[open_shutters]

if it had happened to me, i will find my camera back! i am very sensitive to my possessions. i feel sorry for you. anyway,nice photography^^^

[Liz]

These are nice images, Javier. I really admire you for the way you've handled this situation. It's a tough one for a photographer! It's good to see you posting some shots from your Pentax. You mentioned getting a Sigma lens - which dslr? Do you like the Sigma?

Liz

[Xia_Ke]

That sucks! Sorry to hear about getting your camera getting swiped Javier Karma always has a way of coming full circle though.

[JETA]

I'm so sorry to hear about this, but you have the perfect perspective. You are also taking the power back from some very sad people who tried to victimize you.

[spiraleyes]

Sorry to hear about that. It's good to see that you have a good attitude about the entire thing.

[ken1953]

I'm really sorry to hear about your experience Javier. Too bad you didn't get a pic of them some how before you sat down, that would have been "justice"...hehe...Like you, I've been robbed a few times, but usually it was while I wasn't around, but the invasion of ones self is something that never seems to get easy.
Anyway, next time you're at the races...keep your eyes open in the crowd and try to get a picture of the culprits, as I'm sure, they'll be there somewhere...since there are usually lots of easy "marks" at those types of places. Who knows, maybe you'll get lucky enough to capture them in the act and save someone else from suffering a loss.
BTW...great shots...

[Franglais]

Sorry you got robbed. But as one big city dweller to another -

It sounds like you were carrying around too much gear. My DSLR's are for some things, my F40 compact is for others and they have different bags. My camera bags never look like camera bags, I never let my gear be seen unless I'm about to use it, I'm extremely discreet about where I live, never leave anything in the car, etc.

[Ballen Photo]

Javier, I'm sorry to hear this. That's one reason that living in a big city sux.
I'm glad it didn't totally ruin things for you though, and those photos at the track came out beautifully.
-Bruce

[jgredline]

Hi Folks, Thanks again for all the encouragement...I must admit that this morning I was a little upset...Not because of the camera as it is just ''stuff'', but for the sheer violation of my personal space....I was going through all my images to see if I could spot the thieves, but to no avail....So what did I do today? I went back to the race track and took more pics and had a great ole time....
While those thieves stole ''stuff'' they could not steal my Joy..

[Frog]

You lost your camera but know it was a thing and that you have enough.
The ones who stole it will never have enough.

[polarbeardiggers]

I'm a sole believer of what goes around comes around, no ill deed goes unpunished for ever,Having a positive attitude during trying times, is a great step to a healthy life, And you'll do fine, keep the passion alive !, I feel sorry for those preditors, justice will catch up.Only good things are coming around the corner of life, and your on that path, good luck sincerely.PBD.

[SpeedingSphere]

Its never fun to have anything stolen from you. I can't begin to imagine what I'd be going through if any of my stuff was stolen. Being 18, I have to work for about 6-8 months to save up for most of the pieces of gear I own. I would feel like I had wasted my time if anything was taken from me.

My bet is that they'll be back at that track and try to do it again. You should get a friend with a camera bag(no cam) to see if they appear and attempt to set him up as well, and snap some shots of them in the act if you do indeed find them.

Keep in mind that it was only an object and objects can be replaced. Good thing you weren't harmed by them stealing from you.