PICKING POCKETS CAN BE COOL AND AMAZING!

 

Yes, we are talking about the art of stealing. This art and craftiness of picking pockets are a very good way of entertaining guests and friends.  Yes, you are right.  Picking pockets is a crime purported by thieves and thugs who roam the streets to victimise unsuspecting individuals.  However, after the indignation and the cursing directed towards these petty criminals, one could not help but wonder at the skill these lawless elements have at picking pockets.   This skill is almost like magic!

And so, magicians took it upon themselves to master this craft and proceed to amaze their audiences with the efficacy and deft they have at picking pockets.  David Blaine, Criss Angel and other popular contemporary street magicians are usually seen employing this skill to the amazement of everyone.  They do it whilst performing a magic trick on an unsuspecting individual and before they know it, David or Criss would hand them something (a watch, or a wallet) and only then would they discover that the item was taken from them.

PICKING POCKETS AS A CRIME

Picking pockets is one of the world’s oldest forms of street crime.  Whilst Hollywood usually portrays juveniles as the most common perpetrators, in real life, not all are kids, and not all pickpockets are males.

They are not even the usually portrayed grime-faced, ragged clothes character.  Mostly, they are dressed just like everyone.  They have to, because for them to be effective in doing their “trade,” they have to remain inconspicuous by blending with the crowd where they mingle with to go picking pockets.

Whilst Hollywood portray people who make a living picking pockets to be mostly operating in public markets, they actually operate anywhere from train stations, airports, banks, offices, etc.  They can operate in pairs or more.  Another way of picking pockets is by having someone, a partner (which can be female) distract a victim, or block his or her way, while the one with the deft fingers go picking pockets or your coat or pants.

Their most common defense in case they get detected would be to pass the stolen wallet or item to another accomplish immediately after getting it out of the possession of the owner.  This makes it awkward for the victim when he accosts the suspect and cannot find anything in his possession.

PICKING POCKETS AS MAGIC

Picking pockets is a crime, no question about that.  However, magicians now develop and use this great skill as an exciting part of their repertoire.  It is of great surprise for an audience participant, who is called to help the magician, and instead be handed an item that he didn’t realize he lost.

A magician could have a great start in his routine if, after being introduced on-stage, he starts distributing watches, wallets, cufflinks, and other items to the surprised members of the audience.  They would never know that earlier before the show started, the magician, who was mingling with them, was picking pockets.  But for everyone, it was pure magic.  Not picking pockets.

More related articles below: