Pick Pocketing - Surujutsu (掏る術)

Let’s keep this simple. This could be called an opportunistic skill. I go for the easiest ones, not the hardest ones.

1. Use misdirection with one hand while the other hand works. For example, use one hand to draw attention to a right (your left) breast pocket of a victim while you use your other hand to pick a left (your right) bottom pocket.

2. Use 1 hand to lift the side of a jacket and alleviate weight and rustling, and misdirection to perhaps an inside pocket and to block their view, then your other hand to pick the outside pocket.

3. Use an accomplice to hand objects to. This will help you also if they get suspicious and want to check you.

4. Shake a hand with a double grab, undo their watch band and pull it away when done. Or, use the finger method, shake their hand with one hand. Lace your fingers into their watch band and undo it. Misdirect to an opposite pocket as you flip their wrist toward you. The watch flips over, then drop it into your pocket. You have never let go. Leather is best for starting out. If possible, applying constant pressure throughout will trick their brain into thinking the feel of the watch is still there when you let go. Or, you can use your index finger along the band to get it past the first latch, then with a scoop, folded back, press the pin forward to prevent accidental refastening, then, with constant pressure for psychological effect, grasp the watch head and pull away at the best time using misdirection.

5. Use crowds for better confusion.

6. To take something from a front pants pocket, misdirect with intense focus on something in front of them, like making them hold a map or your phone, then get very close to that side, use 1 hand for further focus on the object, then slip your fingers into the pocket. If it’s too tight, add a bump from a passerby, or step across their leg and ask them to move over. To prevent, you could use a fake wallet, or spread your real money around.

7. Sometimes being picked is better than being knifed. One way or the other, some thieves will get what they want. Let it happen?

8. Some pick pockets will pre-bump you to see where you check your items. “Warning: Pick Pockets” signs are often used to the advantage of pick pockets. Travellers that see the sign will check their belongings and watching pick pockets now know where they are.

9. The Halo Effect is when your uniform makes people trust you so you can get away with anything.

10. Carry money in a front pocket or a special belt. It’s harder to get, but not impossible. Women, hold your purse closed with your elbow. To take a purse if they are not clutching it, wait until they stop, like at a crosswalk light, hold the rear strap and cut the front one, don’t move. Let the woman walk away and the straps will fall away.

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