When upgrading from a point-and-shoot camera to a DSLR, one aspect to consider is how to protect your valuable new gear from potential thieves. You may not have worried about a cheap beginner camera getting stolen, but your higher-end camera gear is much more desirable. These tips will help you prevent your DSLR camera and gear from being stolen.

If you’re going to be spending time in nightclubs or planning on drinking alcohol, ditch your DSLR camera altogether. The effort you’ll save by using a cheap point-and-shoot camera is worth the trade-off in image quality. People often lose their cameras or have them stolen on a night out.

When traveling, use a large camera bag that is comfortable to carry but also provides some padding and protection for your gear. Don’t choose one that is overly colorful or flashy; it will attract unwanted attention.

Use a simple camera bag. While many pockets may seem convenient, a simple bag makes finding your camera and accessories, taking photos, and repacking the bag easy. If you’re carrying a backpack camera bag, be aware of your surroundings so someone can’t open the bag while you’re in a crowd or where you’ve set it down to take photos.