A prominent Hobart street photographer known as ‘Jacko Takes Photos’ is hoping someone can help him track down his missing gear after it disappeared from his car boot.
Jacko said he had been keeping the equipment in his boot while using it for several shoots over the past week.
When he went to his car this afternoon, the gear was gone.
He said all of the equipment he needed for his work had been taken, which was “just gutting”.
Among the equipment taken was his Sony camera and lens, his laptop and microphones.
His boot has no latch or keyhole and can only be opened with the button on his car key.
Jacko said his car was old, which made it hard to tell whether anyone had broken in.
He is now trying to retrace his steps. In recent days he has parked around Macquarie, Argyle and Collins streets near the Hobart Town Hotel and around Smith and Argyle streets in North Hobart, where he also works. He lives in Sandy Bay.
Jacko said he had recently bought new equipment to lift the quality of the content he produced for businesses.
“Just trying to make a bit of a life out of it, I suppose,” he told Pulse.
“It’s a bit hard when somebody steals your stuff.”
He has not reported the matter to police. He said he felt he had “a good relationship with the Tasmanian people” and believed the person responsible “might just be having a difficult time”.
“I’m not interested in snitching on them or getting them stung, you know,” he said.
Jacko said he would give it at least the next couple of days before considering taking it to the police.
“Maybe I’m being optimistic,” he said.
The gear was in a large, open black bag, which he said would make it easier to identify.
In February, Pulse reported that his daily street photography project had drawn more than 5,000 Instagram followers.
He now has 18,000 followers and takes photos for many Tasmanian businesses.
One of his posts has had 1.8 million views alone.
Jacko has asked anyone with information to contact him through Instagram (@jacko.takes.photos).
“Just please give it back. I’m just trying to make ends meet, just like the rest of us,” he said.
