Pants, Jackets and Purses - Pickpocketing Guide [Published]

edited December 2011 in Man Cave
Pants, jackets and purses
A short pickpocketing guide, written By Trx100


Section 1 - Pants

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If you mention pick pocketing to an ordinary individual, they will immediately think of someone with their hand in another persons pocket. However, as any pickpocket will tell you, that is not the case. There are in fact quite a few different techniques that are used, although the first of which I'm going to mention, is the back pocket bump and lift.

Back pocket lifts


1. Bump and lift

This is probably the most famous lifting technique as far as pick pocketing goes. As the name suggests, it involves bumping into the mark, and lifting the wallet, phone, cash, or whatever you are aiming for.
Now, when you spot your mark, identify which pocket the goods are in. If you cant properly identify that there is actually a wallet in the pocket and you can get close enough, you can actually brush the pockets of the mark to feel for the wallet. This technique is known as “fanning”, and will come in handy during your pick pocketing life.

So, you know where the wallet is, but how do you lift it?

Trail the mark. Lifts like this tend to work better in crowded areas, so if you can trail him until he is in a crowd of people, you can really use this to your advantage. If not, the lift will still work, your bump just needs to be a whole lot more aggressive. In some cases, I’ve known people to actually smash the mark so hard, he has fallen to the ground. Just make sure you bump him just enough to make the lift.

Line yourself up to the mark. Come from a slight diagonal angle, it makes it easier to bump, lift and pass by. Speed up, and approach the mark. You must also remember to keep your eyes OFF the marks pocket, and elsewhere. People can follow your line of sight, and will see you making the lift. Once you reach the mark, use your index finger and thumb, to grip the tip of the wallet. Now get ready to bump.
The bump is merely shoving into the mark, so he is distracted. The mind can only focus
on one thing at a time, so the mark will notice you slam into him, and not notice his wallet being removed from his pocket. This is the split second opportunity you have, to remove the goods from the mark.

Bump into your mark. As you do this, use his forward momentum to help you lift the wallet. Pull the wallet back slightly, and slide it up and out of the marks pocket. Pulling it back slightly will stop the friction between the wallet and the marks leg, reducing the chance of him feeling it.
Another technique you can use here during the bump, is hitting the marks pocket with your knee as you pass him. This is yet another distraction you can add the mix, and if you can hit the wallet up a little too, this will help the wallet come out of the pocket.

Once the wallet is out of the pocket, palm it. Basically, this means concealing it in the palm of your hand. Apologize to the mark if you want, and carry on walking. Head away from the mark and into a restroom if you can, shuck the wallet for cash, and ditch it in the trash. Hell, if you really care, you can wipe it down for prints before you ditch it.


2. Razor blade

This style of lifting works really well. Its fast, easy to pull off, and doesn’t even involve a bump.
Best to keep this one to crowded areas, as its easier to get up close to the mark for a longer amount of time.
There are a few effective ways of slitting a pocket, which are explained below. I personally prefer the third one, as its easy, and the wallet prevents the mark from feeling you cutting his pocket much better than the first method I describe.

1. Single slit (bottom)

Take your razor blade, and make a slit across the bottom of the marks pocket, just below the wallet. Make sure the slit is just wider than the wallet. Put your hand at the bottom of the pocket, and the wallet should just drop out into it as the mark carries on walking. If not, push it down from the top of the pocket. Child's play.

2. Single Slit (middle)

Make a single slit at the lip of the pocket, in the middle, going straight down. This will allow you to make a really simple lift as you are moving, as the wallet will slide out of the top of the pocket really easily, in one smooth motion. No bumping involved here! (unless you want to, of course)

3. Double slit

This time, you will be slitting the sides of the pocket. Start at the lip, and work your way down to the bottom. This should allow the pocket to open up, revealing the wallet inside. All you have to do now, is take it.


Side pocket lifts

As far as pick pocketing goes, side pockets are known for being a lot harder to lift from. These are generally stayed away from, but if there does happen to be a opportunity that you just cannot resist, here is how to pull it off.


1.Bump and lift

Remember the technique we talked about in the back pocket bump and lift? Well, its time to use that all again. Its all pretty much the same thing, except you will be using your index and middle fingers to grab the goods.

Follow your mark, on the side that the wallet is on. Approach him quickly, but this time, hit him from straight behind. Don’t go at a diagonal, like you would do for the back pocket lift. Bump into him, and push him forwards. Again, you use his forward momentum as an advantage to help you lift. As he is falling forwards, slip your index and middle fingers into the pocket, grasp the wallet, and slide it back out. He should literally fall straight away from his wallet.

Palm the wallet, apologize, carry on walking. Same old routine.


2. Dip and slip

I personally love this method of lifting from side pockets. Its probably the easiest one to do, as it doesn’t involve a bump. However, this will only work on pants with really baggy, loose pockets, so be careful. Also, it’s a whole lot easier if you do this move with a jacket over your dipping arm, so the mark doesn’t see your hand going near his pocket.

Trail your mark. Walk quickly, so you catch up to him. Once you get within arms reach, dip your fingers in and grasp the tip of the wallet. This is where the slip comes into play. Sure, you could just slow down, and let the mark walk out of his wallet. But that’s slightly risky, seeing as it IS a front pocket. I prefer this method that I made up a while ago…

3. The cell phone slip

With your free hand, pull out your cell phone. Slow down, so the wallet begins to slide out of the marks pocket. Begin speaking on the phone, I usually just ramble on about a load of crap, and make it sound legit in case anyone is listening. Now, slow down even more, letting the mark walk away from his wallet. Keep talking on the phone, eventually saying something like “Yeah hold on a second, Ill find out what the name of this road is..” or something similar. By now, you should have stopped, the mark should have walked
away from his wallet, and all you have to do is finish off the role by saying “Alright, ill head back the way I came”.
Walk off, shuck for cash, and ditch the wallet.


Section 2 - Jackets

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Oh lawd. The jacket lift. One of the most simple lifting opportunities you will ever come across. Most of the time, you don’t even need to bump into the mark.
Not only can you hit a jacket pocket from any angle, but the mark wont feel a thing…

1. Bump and lift (Behind)

Approach your mark from behind, and slightly to the side of him (whichever side the goods are on). Not too quickly, not too slowly. You don’t really need a large bump for this move to work, so don’t overdo it if you don’t need too. It can often lead to making things messy, and that’s the last thing you want.

Once you are close enough, bump the mark, reach into the pocket quickly and pull out the prize.
Its really that simple.

2. Bump and lift (In front)

See a potential mark, putting a phone or wallet into his jacket pocket in front of you? Simply approach the mark, on the side of him which he is carrying the items. Make sure you are not looking at the mark as you approach him, or else he is likely to spot you eyeing him up and find you suspicious. That said, always be aware of where he is, you don’t want to end up walking into a tree. You will need to walk straight into the mark. While you bump, dip in and make your lift with your outside hand (the hand furthest away from the mark). Apologize for being so careless, and walk off.


3. Dip and slip

You should be familiar with this method by now, it was covered earlier in the guide, and not only does it work on pants pockets, it works on jackets too! In fact, it’s a great method to use when you are trailing your mark, in a slightly crowded place. So how do you pull it off?

Its much simpler to do with a jacket than with a pair of pants, but the principle is the same. Follow your mark, wait until you are within arms reach, dip the pocket with your index and middle finger, and slow down. The mark will walk away from his wallet. Simple stuff.

Section 3 - Purses

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Heres a little bit of history…
Back when I first started pick pocketing, all I wanted to do was lift from peoples pockets. No matter how much people told me to lift from purses, I was absolutely intent on getting the bump and lift down to a tee. Sure, this had its benefits, it meant I could perform that particular move pretty well, but I really didn’t realize what I was missing out on. That all changed when I gave in to my urges, and went for a purse lift.

Purses have got to be one of my favorite places to lift from, if not THE most favorite. The goods inside are not in contact with the mark at all, women always carry more money
than they need, and the purse itself is designed to be easy to get into so that means easy latches/clips, and usually a flap that covers the top.
Put simply, a pickpockets heaven.
But how do you go about removing the items from inside it?

1. Dipping

This is the most used method, and is fairly simple to pull off. Say you see a girl in the local store, purse slung over her shoulder, browsing through what there is to offer on the shelves. Now, you can be almost certain that she will have a wallet on her, as most girls don’t leave their house without one, especially if they have a purse over their shoulder. She is completely engrossed in what she is looking at, you check that the aisle is clear, and move in for the lift…

Stand next to her, and slightly behind her, so you can reach into the purse more easily. Start browsing the shelf, possibly picking up a few things and having a look at what there is to offer. With your free hand, unclasp the purse. To mask the sound of the clasp, you can use your thumb (hard to explain, but you will know what I mean if you try it). Slide your hand underneath the flap, into the purse, and feel for the wallet, still keeping your eyes on the shelf in front of you.

One you find it, pull it up, slip it out from under the flap, and walk away to the right if the mark is on your right, and to the left if the mark is on your left. This way, you wont have to spin round with the wallet in your hands, possibly drawing her attention and getting
you caught in the act.

Now, walk out of the store, shuck for cash and cards, or whatever is in there, and put the wallet in the trash.

2. Kicking towards you

Ever gone to a library, internet café, restaurant, or anywhere and see a woman take off her purse or bag, and leave it on the floor next to her?
Happens a lot, and this is a great lifting opportunity that you should look out for. Personally, I find it easiest in internet cafés, as the woman is engrossed in what she is
doing on the computer, and doesn’t pay attention to the bag she left on the floor. So for this method, ill describe it as if you were at an internet café.

Take a seat at the computer next to her. Boot it up, and begin doing something - Browsing the internet, writing something on Word, etc. While you are doing this, hook your foot in the strap of the purse, and pull it towards you. Now, reach down, unclasp the purse, and take the goods. Hide the wallet in a jacket, or in your lap, or whatever. Now simply push the purse back over to the mark, get up, and walk out.

And finally, a little summary...



Well, that pretty much sums up a few of the best methods to use when pick pocketing. As you continue with your career, you will undoubtedly pick up or invent your own methods of stealing, which work the best for you. This is a great way to improve yourself, and make a better pickpocket, so try and get into your own style as quickly as you can. Just make sure you know the basics first, or else you wont find yourself getting anywhere.

Thanks for reading!

Comments

  • MayberryMayberry Regular
    edited September 2010
    I don't know why people keep things in their back pockets. It's insecure and uncomfortable when you sit down.
  • edited September 2014
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  • edited September 2010
    By the way, I wrote this guide a couple years ago so I'm sorry for poor spelling/grammar, or any outdated info :D
  • MayberryMayberry Regular
    edited September 2010
    Ah, that explains why everybody's clothes are tucked into their pants :o
  • MisterfisterMisterfister New Arrival
    edited September 2010
    Now I have to go practice :D
  • edited September 2010
    ^ Good luck dude :D Hope you achieve some good results.
  • edited September 2010
    Mayberry wrote: »
    I don't know why people keep things in their back pockets. It's insecure and uncomfortable when you sit down.

    I've known quite a few people who've broken their mobile phones and glasses this way :facepalm:
  • GumboGumbo Regular
    edited October 2010
    I look way too out of place for this shit. I can't do anything without somebody noticing, even when wearing normal clothes. :[

    Maybe part of this guide should be about how to better blend into a crowd?
  • MayberryMayberry Regular
    edited October 2010
    Gumbo wrote: »
    I look way too out of place for this shit. I can't do anything without somebody noticing, even when wearing normal clothes. :[

    Maybe part of this guide should be about how to better blend into a crowd?

    Step 1: STFU
  • edited October 2010
    Gumbo wrote: »
    I look way too out of place for this shit. I can't do anything without somebody noticing, even when wearing normal clothes. :[

    Maybe part of this guide should be about how to better blend into a crowd?

    I can make another guide on this, or add it to the list of guides which need to be written.

    Honestly though, just go about your normal daily life and no one will notice. Failing that, go about everyone else's daily life so you blend in more.
  • GumboGumbo Regular
    edited October 2010
    Mayberry wrote: »
    Step 1: STFU
    Harsh dude, harsh.

    trx100 wrote: »
    I can make another guide on this, or add it to the list of guides which need to be written.

    That'd be rockin'. I like reading about social engineering stuffs.
  • MayberryMayberry Regular
    edited October 2010
    Gumbo wrote: »
    Harsh dude, harsh.

    Well just saying, if you're making a lot of noise, you'll be very easily noticed, so the first thing to do is be quiet :)
  • electric wizardelectric wizard Acolyte
    edited November 2010
    People make fun of me for keeping my wallet in my front right pocket, and this is exactly why, haha

    Decent guide
  • edited March 2011
    so how do you go about in the very beginning

    like solo practise at home or something,
    before you start going after marks you need to get a hang of the basics right

    any suggestions ?
  • NegrophobeNegrophobe Regular
    edited March 2011
    Practice with chairs and jackets and jeans. Use coat hangers on a pull up bar, or a bunk bed could be used too. Time yourself with how long it takes to remove the wallet and how hard you do your bumping (this is mainly what the use with the chair is). That's how I used to practice anyway. It impressed my class mates when I'd revealed where their cigs went. I'm sure the Niggers and Pakis weren't as impressed when they got home and couldn't find their benefits money.
  • edited March 2011
    Definitely go with the chair method - this one has been tried and tested and is extremely good at simulating a real person. When I was interested in this area of things, I used to put a pillow or something inside the jeans before hanging them on a chair, giving them more of an ass :D

    I'll write a guide on this sometime.
  • ShadyLadyShadyLady Locked
    edited May 2011
    Nice guide. :thumbsup: I've noticed clubs are a great place to pickpocket. When it's super crowded you basically have to shove people to walk from one side to the other. People also tend to carry more cash than usual at clubs & bars. Just be careful for cameras, the clubs in my area have them. :mad:

    For places that people tend to carry more money on them- clubs, bars, fairs, festivals, carnivals, what else?
  • ShadyLadyShadyLady Locked
    edited May 2011
    Guide from Totse
    Pick Pocketing: The Art of the Lift A man takes his wallet out and pays for a newspaper. He puts his wallet back and turns to leave when someone brushes past him muttering "Excuse me". its a crowded place so the man thinks nothing of it...at least until he's about to get into his car and notices his wallet is missing. He looks back to where he had been bumped, but the man is long gone. A woman stands on an escalator, watching the crowded mall below. Behind her on the next step is a young girl wearing a walkman. The music is up loud enough for the woman to hear it, and the girl is moving to the beat, occasionally bumping up against her. The woman ignores this, thinking about kids these days and doesn't notice the girl's jacket is partially draped over her purse. The woman gets off the escalator thinking that the girl will go deaf with such loud music. She never realizes until she's about to pay for her purchase that her wallet is gone.

    The young woman sets her bag down and then proceeds to stretch out on her beach towel. She notices a man watching her and puts a little wiggle in her movements. He's kinda cute and maybe he'll ask her out, which would be okay since she's on vacation and wants to have a little fun. She lies on the towel and begins to sun tan, but the sun is bright and so she closes her eyes. After a few minutes she looks up to see if the man is still watching her. But he is gone...and so is, she now realizes, her bag.
    They can have hands as fast as a snake, or they can cleverly use distraction to stealthily make their lift, or they can simply wait for someone to leave themselves vulnerable...Who are they? They're pickpockets. Whether its smooth team work or simple snatch of opportunity it’s all about the art of the lift...
    Here is your target.

    What is a pickpocket? The dictionary merely states that it is a thief who steals from pockets. While this definition is true, it is a very narrow definition on a broad subject. A pickpocket isn't just a thief who steals from pockets; a pick pocket is a master in the art of diversion.
    Most guides tell you how to avoid becoming a potential "mark" of a pickpocket, but this one is going to teach you how to pick pockets. Picking pockets is an easy, non-violent way to make some extra money. Unlike most crimes there is little contact with the victim and violence involved at all. Even if suspected, a pickpocket can clam ignorance and just say they bumped into the person. A busy crowd, a distracted woman with an open purse and a fat wallet, and then there is some money for you to spend on yourself. Its quick and easy, plus if done properly you are long gone before they ever know their wallet is now safely in your pocket.
    Don't feel guilty though, you are teaching them a valuable lesson, and that is to watch their belongings better. Pickpockets never see faces, only wallets and purses. Mothers with kids, the elderly and distracted tourists are all potential targets, or "marks". This isn't personal only business.
    The one thing you must have to be a pickpocket is patience. You may have to wait to find the right "mark", or until they leave themselves vulnerable. You don't want to blow your hand or risk getting caught by jumping the gun. But it is worth it, a pickpocket can make more in a day that a stick up man can in a year.

    The Mark:
    To start this guide we are going to start from the beginning, and that is with the person at the receiving end of your probing hands; the person's wallet you are about to take.
    What is the "mark"? The mark is how you make your money! The "mark" is pickpocket slang for the target of a pickpocket. No pocket or purse can ever be 100% pickpocket proof, but some are harder than others. You should always go for the easy targets first. Trust me, there are plenty out there. Men with baggie pants or big pockets, or women with their purses open to the world.
    Women make better marks than men do, seeing how their wallets aren't in contract with their bodies. Also, they don't always have their purses with them (in shopping carts, strollers, the back of chairs, in cars, on counters, etc.). A lot of the tips in this guide are intended for our "Moll Buzzers" in training. A "Moll Buzzer" is a pickpocket, who only targets women, but don't get me wrong men make just as good marks as women, so there are plenty of tips here to help you relieve an absent minded man of his wallet also. The best mark is a person alone and distracted by other things, and it usually takes less than a minute to relieve them of their valuables.
    But wallets aren't the only thing you can take from the mark; you can also take money from their pockets or jewelry from the bodies. Some people will cram their cash in their pockets, making it easy to remove it. Jewelry taking is a little harder, but with time the mark's jewels are now your jewels.
    Anyone can be a potential mark, after all it only takes a moment to distract someone from their valuables, but some people just leave themselves open for some enterprising soul to relieve them of their wallets. You've seen this person before, the man whose wallet it sticking out of his pocket or the woman who leaves her purse completely unattended in a shopping cart while she is looking at something else. Sometimes they will pat their pockets to make sure everything is still there and it will lead you right to it. Just keep your eyes open and the mark will come to you, and if you watch them carefully the mark will lead you straight to the prize.
    Is she paying more attention to who's on the phone, or her purse?
    With her mind on her shopping she won't think about whose hand is in her purse.
    Leaving their purse on strollers and in shopping carts make women better marks as their wallets are not in contact with their bodies. Easily distracted women make the best marks.

    The Basics
    First and most importantly, these are your objectives. The over all goal of being a pickpocket is taking the wallet of another and placing it in your pocket, for uses as you see fit. You are taking someone else's money for your own. A partner or a team is best for this sort of thing, but being a "cannon", or solo pickpocket is just as easy and plus you get to keep all of the money yourself.

    Pickpocketing is a game not only of not only skill and stealth, but of DIVERSION. You don't need to have fast hands (although it helps) as long as the mark's mind is on something else. For instance in a crowded elevator a woman will be thinking about many other thing besides who is standing beside or behind her. In a crowded place it is normal for strangers to press up against each other, so they don't even notice something pressing up against their pocket or purse. If the pickpocket is good then the mark never feels a thing.
    A simple bump and her wallet is now in your pocket. Most people never think twice about it when that person pressed up against them, or bumped into them and that's the key to pickpocketing.
    It bears repeating that diversion is the key! The human mind can only concentrate on one thing at a time, and its attention is easily diverted. If some one is thinking about something else then their minds won't be on their pockets or purses...and whose hands are in them.
    Keep in mind that the human can be distracted easily. To prove this here is a simple test: count to yourself out loud to ten but when you get to 5 think the word "Batman". Could you think and count at the same time? No, it doesn't work like that. The human minds can only focus one thing at a time, so if you bump into someone they will feel that and not you slipping their wallet out of their pocket or purse.

    The Basics Part Two
    Remember to be stealthy and blend in. Try not to act different or suspiciously, and dress normal. People will be on guard and might remember you if you act oddly. Even if it is a simple snatch of opportunity, it is still all about getting the goods and vanishing. Never run unless you have to, but walk away briskly. Keeping our activities out of sight is vital for pickpockets. Be careful, even if the mark feels or sees nothing, someone else might. Be on guard for cameras and other people's eyes, which are easily fooled. Most people aren't paying attention to anyone other than themselves (which makes a pickpocket's job even easier.)
    While you can pick a pocket just about anywhere, the best place to try are as follows; outdoors, restaurants, restrooms, parking lots, parks, libraries, on escalators, in elevators, revolving doors, and in movie theaters. Basically anywhere the mark might be distracted easily.
    Restaurants are fertile ground because dinners hand jackets or bags over the back of their seats, or even more rashly dump handbags out of sight on the floor. But if you see an opportunity anywhere go for it. Never hesitate, if you think it’s a golden moment seize it!
    Carry a shopping bag, book bag, or (ladies) a purse to hide your stolen goods in. Simple wallets can be placed in pockets, but if you have to jack the whole purse then you don't want to have to carry it around in plain site.
    A last bit of advice: should you have to jack the whole purse make sure that if it has a cell phone in it that it is TURNED OFF! Should the mark have time to realize what you've done she could use this as a way to find you if you are still close. Either ditch the phone or turn it off.

    General Tips
    Some general tips and schemes can be used on both men and women, and so I decided to put them here, instead of under Moll

    Buzzer and Bump and Lift. They pretty much employ simple distraction, but hey when the mark's wallet is in your pocket you won't care how it got there.
    Here is an example of the most common of pickpocket tricks, the sandwich, also known as the stall. It can be used to set up a bump and lift or, as seen in the pic, the dipping of a purse. The set up is basic, and if done right, the results are simple and easy. This requires, obviously, a team of at least two. If you want to pull a more elaborate one be my guest, but this only needs a "stall" and a "lift”. You and your partner find a mark and work your way until you have boxed him or her in between you. Then wait until the time is right and have the stall suddenly stop, forcing the mark to run into them. This is when the lift quickly moves up behind them and dips the wallet from either pocket or purse. Timing is critical in this, the lift has to be ready to make his move and "bump" into the mark right when the stall suddenly stops. If done right, the mark is sandwiched between the team and doesn't feel the lift. After that its just a simple matter for the lift (unless you have a pass off working with you) to vanish into the crowd after apologizing.

    The Argument
    Another oldie but goodie is the staged argument or fight. Have your team start fighting, which will cause potential marks to become distracted, making their wallets easy pickings. A full crowd could give you some easy marks.

    Coin Trick
    This is a great and basically simple way to make a lift using the mark's own greed to help set them up. Drop some change on the ground and set back and wait. This scam will work with or with out a partner. When a guy see's the change he'll either bend over or drop down, and that's the time to strike! When bent down the jeans will tighten on the hips-remember the mind can only focus on one thing at a time-and it will also force the tip of the wallet out of the lip of the pocket. One quick push with your index finger at the base of the pocket and wallet will slide right out into your greedy little hands. This also works on women who will heedlessly toss their bags over their backs or even set them down on the ground. Any way you look at it its easy game.

    Shoulder Surfing
    At an ATM machine have a partner either stroll by the mark or watch them type from a distance using binoculars and get their pin number. After that lift the wallet and now you have both the card and the access number.

    Oops!
    Pretend to suddenly spill something, like a drink or food, on someone then hurry to help them clean it off. Brush them off roughly (but not to roughly) and while you are doing this have your partner use this distraction to make the lift. Or, time permitting; make the lift yourself from the bewildered mark. Fanny packs are no big deal if you have enough time. Most of the time they are worn slightly to the side, which would allow you access to the zipper. Should this no be the case, but you want the wallet wait until the mark is directly in front of you, the quickly reach up and unsnap the latch. They are usually in the back, and if you can grab is fast you can make off into the crowd before she (or he) realizes what happened.

    Team Vs Solo
    In this scheme a team of pickpockets work to distract the mark and take her wallet.
    Here we see a lone "cannon" lifting the wallet of an unsuspecting mark. Here is something that every pickpocket must decide, wither or not to work as a team or go it solo. Either way works, or each has its own pluses and minuses. You'll have to weigh your options at hand and make your own decisions.
    As a team working over the mark is easier, as is removing the goods. But to work as a team you have to be able to reasonably trust your partner, or partners. If you can't trust them then the scheme won't work.
    A solo pickpocket works alone, and has to lift the mark's wallet by themselves.
    A "cannon" can work in secret and vanish leaving no trace behind, but they have to work to find the right place to make the lift. A solo also has to carry the wallet away with them, instead of having a partner to pass it off to. A bonus is that a solo pickpocket doesn't have to share the profits, but having help is always good too.
    This guide has tips for both solo and team pickpocketing, so you're set either way.

    Purse Snatching
    NOTE: I do not in any way shape or form advocate purse snatching (by this I mean running up from behind and ripping the bag off a woman's shoulder. This is sloppy and dangerous; you might as well be a mugger. Purse snatching doesn't require any skill and is brutal.) However don't confuse purse snatching with opportunity pickpocketing, where you find the bag unattended and take it.
    These are examples of unattended purses, which are fair game. This usually occurs when a woman either leaves her bag somewhere for a moment, giving a thief the chance to take it. The back of a chair, the passenger seat of a car, the front of a shopping cart are all places where this can occur. The taking of an unattended purse is not "purse snatching" but rather opportunity pickpocketing...which brings us to...

    The Purse
    Here I will show how to pluck the wallet from an unsuspecting woman.
    There you see her, talking on her cell phone oblivious to the world around her. Her purse is dangling over her shoulder, still open from where she took out the phone. What do you do? This is what this part of the guide is all about.
    The purse is really a pickpocket's dream come true; the wallet is away from the mark's body, out of sight, and sometimes not even near the mark at all. A woman's wallet offers more to its taker than a man's does, seeing how it can also hold more cards and checkbooks, and as mentioned earlier is easier to relocate.
    The best mark is a woman alone with a dangling purse from her shoulder, preferably with her purse flap open or unzipped. With the bag behind her gently feel for the snap (if it is still latched) and unfasten it, using your thumb to mask the click. The bag will drop slightly, but this is okay. Most women won't notice this and now the contents are loser in the bag. After that gently, but quickly, slide your hand in and fell for the wallet, which should be easy since they are usually made of leather. Grab it with your index and thumb (the picking, or dipping, fingers. To strengthen them for a lift try putting a tight rubber band around them and work opening and closing.) Gently slide the wallet out and if you have a partner pass it off, o just tuck it in your pocket and walk away.
    A zipped purse is no big deal if you take your time and are careful. First gently grasp the zipper with your index and thumb and index finger and gently pull back as quickly as possible. For this type of lift try and have a coat over your arm to mask your hands. Zippers take longer than latches and you don't want to be seen at work. Practice unzipping things at home until you can get used to doing it quickly, quietly, and without disturbing the mark. After the bag is open just dip into it and remove the wallet. A backpack purse is the ultimate pickpocket dream come true. The valuables are completely out of sight and in easy reach of the person behind them. The only drawback is that they then to be large and it is harder to find the wallet. Press up against the mark and gently either unsnap or unzip the purse, then remove the wallet. The backpack is a good mark because the back has few nerve receptors and so if the bag is touch the mark won't feel it.

    Moll Buzzer Tips
    If you're good she'll never know. A simple, yet well known and used method of taking a woman's wallet is in the grocery store. The best place to dip the mark is at the vegetable isle, which is usually near the front of the store. The woman normally leaves her purse in the buggy while looking for her vegetables. Lift her wallet and either leave, or time permitting, buy something with her cards or money before she has a chance to know they've been stolen. "Just going in for a minute"
    It's late and she needs gas. To save time she'll just grab what she owes and run into the gas station, leaving her purse in the car. "I'll only be a minute," she thinks. This is a pickpocket's dream come true, and a lift that shouldn't be passed. True its only opportunistic pickpocketing, but that doesn't matter. Time permitting you should just grab the wallet and leave the purse, but if you are feeling rushed just grab the bag and go. Leaving the purse will give you more to get away before she realizes her wallet is gone. Always keep an eye out for this because it happens all the time. This works at post offices, sporting events, day care centers, libraries, and sometimes just on the street when she's "just going in for a minute". Trust me if you keep your eyes open it only takes a minute.
    If you happen to see a woman get out of her car and go in some where sans purse, casually stroll over to the car and look in the windows. If you see a covered object on the passenger’s side floor, there is your target. Most women keep their purses on the passenger’s side, and if she's "only going in for a minute" she may cover it up with a coat or something. Just open the door, grab the purse or wallet, and beat feet. Don't let the covering up fool you.

    "The Shoe Store"
    She's buying a new pair of shoes, but first has to try them on. She sits her bag down and begins to take off her shoes and puts on the other shoes. This is your time to strike. While she is distracted, either lift the wallet or grab the bag and make off with it.
    Will she be smiling like that after you take her wallet?

    "The Rest Room"
    Here's a good one for the busy Christmas shopping season. Ladies (or guys with a female accomplice) you see a lady walk into a rest room alone. Follow quickly and see which stall she is in. When she goes in walk up to the stall and watch her feet. This is what you'll see: as she enters her feet face the wall towards the toilet. Next her feet turn around and are facing the door. What she has just done is enter the stall, turned around, locked the door and placed her purse on the hook of the door. You'll see her feet turn around again. She will now spend up to 30 seconds or so fixing the seat cover on the toilet. When she turns to face the toilet, reach over the door and take her purse off the hook. You see she'll be momentarily distracted while she puts the seat cover on so that it will be a perfect fit and not fall in (or as a lead up sit all the toilet seats up so she'll have to put it down, giving you more time). While she is doing this, her back is towards the door and her purse. Now think back to the last time you used the toilet in a public rest room. Where was the hook on the door? Right near the top of the door, making it very convenient for some enterprising soul to relieve the lady of her wallet. With her purse in your hand, you can do one or two things. Either quickly pull the wallet out and toss the bag back over the door to her stall. She'll hear the noise, turn around and see her purse on the floor. By the time she realizes what happened her wallet is gone. The other option for our nibble fingered thief is to take the entire purse and place it in an empty carry-on bag or shopping bag that she has with her and quickly walk out and blend into the crowd.

    Mull Buzzer Part Two

    "The Parking Lot"
    Check out a local grocery store parking lot and wait until you see a woman go in alone. Note which car she is in and then, when no one is looking, flatten her tire with a nail. Hang around (but not noticeably) until she comes back out and then tell her that he tire is flat. She'll toss her bag into the car and come and look at it (or just incase wait until she puts he purse in the car). While you are showing it to her have your partner quickly walk by and take the purse while she is distracted. Take the wallet and dump the purse in the nearest dumpster and you and your friend have some spending money tonight. Another parking lot scam is similar, have your partner approach the woman while she is still loading up her goods (normally they leave their purses in the shopping carts, usually still open) and ask her for directions. While she is distracted quickly either take her wallet or purse and make off with it.
    Ladies here's a real simple one, most women carry purse; its a given. Most people don't pay any attention to what purse a woman holding (except us pickpockets) so find your mark and follow her until she sets her bag down somewhere then calmly walk up behind her, or wait until she's gone, and just walk off with it as if it were your own. Simple opportunistic pickpocketing yes, but it works.

    The Bus
    Carry a coat over your arm: here is how this one works boys and girls; if the coat is over your arm then no one can see your hands. This is a good thing as it lets you get closer to your mark. Either just drape your arm or cut out one of the pockets so that you can slip your hand through. A sample of how this might work is this: A lady gets on a crowded bus and pays the driver with cash. She puts her wallet back in her purse and moves on to the bus. A man moves forward, looking out the window as if his stop is coming up. He stands by the woman and carelessly drapes his coat over her purse as pauses to catch his balance. She doesn't think much of this and doesn't pay any attention, while he reaches through the cut pocket and lifts her wallet. He then gets off the bus with no one the wiser. The coat trick is a good one if you are in a crowded area and you don't want anyone to see your hands.

    "Lunch Hour"
    In hospitals and offices many women leave their offices (and purses) unattended and unlocked while they go to lunch. About noon go into one (if possible try and watch the place a couple times to find the best marks) and walk around as if you have the right to be there. Most people won't bother to question you about being there if you don't look suspicious. As soon as you see some women leave their offices go in quickly and close the door behind you. Most women put their purses in their left hand bottom drawer, or in a closet with their coat. Quickly find the purse and pocket the wallet, then leave. If you are quick you can make of with a couple wallets.

    "The Theater"
    The group in front of you sits down and begins talking. While they are distracted look down while pretending to tie your shoe and see if any of the women put their purses on the floor. This is a common thing in movie theaters because the ladies don't want to have to hold their bags the whole time. If they have placed it on the floor, or under the chair, wait until the movie starts and then reach under her seat and grab the bag. Either take the bag and go, or empty the purse and leave under the seat.

    Moll Buzzer Part 3

    "Pools"
    "In the summer time when the weather is fine you swish right up and take a wallet so fine..." Alright, corny parodies aside any where there is swimming going on there will be an opportunity to pick a pocket. Where as men usually leave their wallets in lockers (I'll cover this more later) women normally take their bags out with them, so standard rules apply. Wait until they are swimming and either make off with the whole bag, placing it under your towel or in a bag of your own, or, if the mark isn't paying much attention, sit down and go through the bag, (or bags if you are lucky) like you have every right to and pocket the wallet. If you have a partner or a team here is a good scam to us to get away with a lot of purses. Have a friend wait outside the chain link fence (most pools have chain link fences) while you, or you and a buddy, wait until everyone is in the pool. The swimmers and lifeguards will be paying more attention to the water than the ground, so you can grab as many bags as you can and toss them to your friend on the other side of the fence, then go out the other way or go over the fence yourself. Girls a real simple one is the old sit down, grab the bag as if it was yours, and then walk out. This can work for men here because some women put their purses into other bags so they won't be noticeable. What really won't be noticeable is some guy leaving the pool with his bag...which just happens to have someone's purse in it.

    Escalators
    This is one of the better places to snatch a wallet. The mark is right below you and you can be noticeably pressed against them without being suspected. This is a good place to work even if you don't have a partner If you do have one then have them drop something and pick it up, bumping into the mark. As soon as this occurs make your move to lift the wallet. This scam is best done at the top or bottom of the stairs, as the mark doesn't have enough time to check their valuables before the lift is gone. Another way is to have your partner talk to them, distracting them while you lift reach into her purse. If you are alone just use the basic techniques of bump and lift or use the motion of the escalators to mask the gentle lifting of their wallets.

    "Food Court"
    You walk into the mall about noon and enter the tightly packed food court. You spy a group of ladies chatting and eating their lunches. Some of them have their purses beside or under their chairs, and others have them dangling from the back of their chairs. You sit down behind one of them and appear to be engrossed in a magazine or news paper. You then drop one of your hands to your side and reach backwards her purse without while still looking forward. Lift the wallet and then tuck it in your newspaper or magazine, then walk away. While she's perfecting her trick shot you'll be walking out the door with her purse.

    Bars
    It seems like a no brainer but women who are busy drinking and partying won't be paying any attention to their wallets. Its crowded and dark, perfect place for crimes where eyes can't see. Women will heedlessly drape their purses over the back of their chairs or completely leave them to go out dancing on the floor. Simple opportunist can just walk in and take one at their leisure. The ones who do keep their bags may become drunk, making it an easy score to lift their wallet. This is ripe time to go for a lift, and here are a few tips to get into their bags. Have a partner approach the mark away from her bag and either ask her to dance or the time. While she is answering either of these questions this is when you either rifle through her bag to get the wallet, or just pick it up and walk off as your frontman keeps her distracted. Another helpful trick to relieve a woman burdened with to much cash is this. It is a variation of the old "oops, I spilt something on you" trick. Find a woman alone or at least by herself for the moment, and find a way to innocently spill your drink on her. While you are hastily trying to help her, have your partner either lift the wallet or take away the purse. Fumble around with the mark so that your partner has plenty of time to do the job and then get away.

    The Pocket
    Here I will show you how to lift the wallet of an unsuspecting man. A man is standing, reading a newspaper, waiting to cross the street. He is deeply engrossed in his paper, only occasionally looking at his watch. You've been walking behind him since he left the newsstand and have noticed that the tip of his wallet is sticking out of his back pocket. You are now standing behind him, bare inches from his wallet...what do you do? That is what this part of the guide is about.
    The basic, mother of all pick pocket tricks is the Bump and lift. This can be done different ways, solo or in a team. There's not really much to say about it, it’s that simple. Once you learn it, much like riding a bike, you'll never forget. This is really the only way to take a wallet from a man, short of mugging him, But their is different ways of going about the bump, and I'll give you a few of them here.
    First thing's first, never stick your whole hand in someone's back pocket. That's sloppy, and you'll probably get caught. The only time that may even be useable is if the wallet is in his jacket pocket. The way to do the bump and lift is done by either sliding in your dipping fingers, the thumb and index, or by make a series of tiny pleats in the lining of the pocket at the lip
    Solo pick pocketing can be done easy enough on men and women. When it comes to the bump and lift solo you have to either wait for the mark to be distracted or find away to momentarily distract them yourself. Timing is crucial to mask the lift with the bump; however some marks will be so distracted by other things that you can lift the wallet without the bump.

    Team bump and lift
    it works the same way, only you have your partner or partners distract the mark while you lift the wallet. This is usually done by using the "sandwich" stall, which pins the mark in-between the "bump" and the "lift". Your partner stands in front of him and stops suddenly, causing the mark to run into him. When that happens you slide up and lift the wallet.
    Although no back pocket is ever completely pickpocket proof, some are harder than others. Pockets with zippers, buttons, or Velcro make lifting a wallet more difficult. The only plus side to getting these pockets open is that they are usually bigger than jean pockets, making the actual dip much easier. However if you come across a pocket you don't think you can pick, then the tool to use is the razor. Just like with the purse, the razor is the tool to use when all else fails. Only difference is unlike just slitting the back of the bag open wide, with the pocket the job is a little slyer. You just want to slit the pocket open and take the wallet, not cut any other part of the pants. What you do is get the razor between your middle and index finger and with one swift movement slit the bottom of the pocket. Gravity will do the rest and deliver the wallet right into your greedy little hands. This will also help with side pockets, which are harder to get at.

    The Bump and Lift
    Crowded elevators make a good place to pick a pocket. Stand behind the mark and wait for the elevator to stop. When it does lean forward and bump and lift the wallet out of the man's back pocket, using the jerking motion of the elevator and your bump to mask the lift. Apologize, then quickly, but noticeably, leave the elevator.
    Another bump and lift trick is to find your mark, preferably with an open back pocket, and walk straight towards them in a cramped hallway or area. As you press against him trying to go the other way, dip your fingers into his back pocket and lift the wallet. The bumping into him as you pass will mask the lift and after that its child's to walk off with the wallet.
    In a tightly packed crowd position you and your partner between your mark and then press up against him. Use your "bump" to slightly lean to the left which will force the mark to do so also. Most men carry their wallets in their right back pocket, and this will open the lip of the pocket slightly. After getting the mark into the right position give off another faint signal and have your friend lean back slightly into the lip and pulling out the wallet.

    Conclusion
    Why have a website about picking pockets, you might ask? Well as the old saying goes it’s cleaner than picking noses. Isn't it irresponsible to teach other how to steal wallets from pockets or purses? No, I am just giving out the information for others to see and read, what you do with it afterwards is your own business. I believe that knowledge should be fair as well as shared, and since there are so many sites out there about avoiding pickpockets I thought it only right for a site to exist about how to pick pockets. I became interested in picking pockets after I watched a documentary on the subject on 60 minutes when I as younger. It fascinated me to such a degree that I never saw the criminal aspect of it. To me it was about the art of the lift more than it was stealing and the thought of being able to looking into a person's life via their wallet was exciting (weird maybe, but more noble than just being in it for the money). You may ask if all this stuff is from some other sites, or just backwards prevention tips...the answer is no. I learned this tips and tricks either from others or by doing them myself, although my type is more of a "moll buzzer" opportunist. I've never been part of a team or anything, but I do know some and they've taught me some of their tricks. So please note that this site isn't just a lot of hot air. Another question I'll answer is this; do I ever feel guilty? Nope, I pick marks that leave themselves completely vulnerable and so I teach them a valuable lesson. I won't go into detail on my lifts, but needless to say if they'd just been a little more careful I'd have left them alone. As I said earlier, pickpockets only see wallets and purse, not faces. So, in closing, I hope you have enjoyed my guide on the art of pickpocketing and have found it helpful. I am just putting out the information and letting you decide what to do with it.
  • JuicemanJuiceman New Arrival
    edited December 2011
    Can anyone explain in more detail about hand positioning, finger techniques, etc.. regarding how to decrease the chances of the lift being felt. I know that the distraction techniques are part of that but my pet monkey is curious on how to approach the pocket. Hes seen a pic of index-middle finger pinching and heard of thumb-index corner pinch, but just searching for a little more detail on how to get in and out of the pocket with least friction, finger on butt, and pocket lip snagging.
  • JuicemanJuiceman New Arrival
    edited December 2011
    TRX? Shady? Eh, Eh, Eh?
  • RemadERemadE Global Moderator
    edited December 2011
    I'd just play the target the Blink 182 album...
    blink-182-take-off-your-pants-and-jacket-aotd.jpg

    Ok back on topic
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