Every year, millions of travelers and city dwellers fall victim to pickpockets. Stolen cash, IDs, credit cards, smartphones, and even passports can cause cascading problems, from financial loss to identity theft.

What’s worse?

Just how many people think they “would see it coming” or “couldn’t be fooled.”

In reality, professional pickpockets are masters of misdirection, often working in teams, and their success depends on exploiting human behavior, not brute force. Understanding what’s real and what’s myth is the first step in shutting them down.

The Myths vs. The Reality

Myth #1: Pickpockets only operate in crowded tourist spots.
Reality: While busy areas make their work easier, skilled pickpockets can operate anywhere there’s a lapse in awareness, like public transit, airports, concert venues, street fairs, malls, festivals, and even restaurants.

Myth #2: You’d feel someone reaching into your pocket or bag.
Reality: Professional thieves use practiced techniques and distractions to mask their touch, such as bumping into you, asking for directions, or dropping something nearby.

Myth #3: They target only obvious “marks” like tourists with cameras.
Reality: Pickpockets often target confident locals who think they’re too savvy to be fooled. Targeting your overconfidence is sometimes more effective than leveraging inattention. (They are called a “Con Man” for a reason)

Myth #4: Money belts and anti-theft bags are your best defense.
Reality: These tools help, but they’re not foolproof. If you still check them repeatedly, you signal exactly where your valuables are.

How Pickpockets Choose Their Targets

1. Distraction & Density – Crowds and commotion mask their movements.

2. Behavioral Cues – Constantly touching a pocket or bag shows exactly where valuables are.

3. Access & Opportunity – Open purses, unzipped backpacks, or phones sticking out of pockets are invitations.

4. Team Tactics – One distracts (asking a question, spilling a drink), another lifts the item, and a third walks away with it.

5. Pattern Exploitation – Daily commuters on autopilot are predictable, making planning and timing easier.