Editing Pickpocketing (section)

== Methods ==
[[File:Colmar-PV-Pickpockets.jpg|thumb|alt=Two adolescents pickpocketing tourists in a pedestrian area|Two pickpockets attempting to rob a Japanese tourist couple in [[Colmar]], France. The tourists were alerted before the theft could be completed.]]
Pickpocketing often requires different levels of skill, relying on a mixture of [[sleight of hand]] and misdirection. To get the proper misdirect or distraction, pickpockets will normally use the distracting environment that crowds offer or create situations using accomplices. Pickpocketing still thrives in areas that are high in tourism. It is most common in areas with large crowds. Sometimes pickpockets put signs up that warn tourists to watch for pickpockets. This causes people to worry and quickly check if their valuables are still on them, thereby showing pickpockets exactly where their valuables are. Once a pickpocket finds a person they want to steal from, often called a "mark" or a victim, the pickpocket will then create or look for an opportunity to steal.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Williams|first=Caroline|title=How pickpockets trick your mind|url=https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20140629-how-pickpockets-trick-your-mind|access-date=2020-09-20|website=www.bbc.com|language=en}}</ref>

The most common methods used by modern-day pickpockets are:

* Offering to help someone with their luggage, then proceeding to disappear in a crowded area. This method works well because it gives the victim a false sense of trust with the pickpocketer.
* The next technique involves a team of three or more people and a crowded area. After finding their mark, two of the pickpockets slow down while walking in front of their mark appearing as a lost couple. Meanwhile, the mark is stuck behind them and their accomplice goes through the mark's bag unnoticed.
* Using large crowds where there is a small doorway, like that in trains, forcing the crowd to squeeze together to get through. A pickpocket uses this opportunity to stick their hands into peoples' pockets and go unnoticed.
* Using a stooge, a fake couple, or group goes up and ask the mark for help.  For example, it can be to take their photo, hold their bag, or just simply asking for directions and getting them to hold a map. As this is happening their partner is going through the mark's bags while they are distracted helping.
* Using a child to pickpocket or as a distraction is common in many countries.
* The bump is the most famous of all the ways and is often used in movies. It is where the pickpocket bumps into the mark inconspicuously, allowing them to access the mark's pockets. The bump usually requires expert sleight of hand.
* Another common technique is so-called the "slash and grab"; the pickpocket cuts a purse or bag strap without the mark's knowledge and makes off with the bag. They can then take the contents and leave behind the bag and any form of identification in the trash or a back alley.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Outsmart pickpockets|url=https://www.scti.co.nz/travel-advice/outsmart-pickpockets|access-date=2020-09-20|website=www.scti.co.nz|language=en}}</ref>