How pickpockets work

Bresson’s Pickpocket had panache

I’m playing a pickpocket in a film that’s coming out soon called Get Lucky, so I thought I’d share a few tips to help you to stay vigilant against these opportunistic thieves.

1. Don’t make it easy for them. Thieves are looking for an easy mark – they’ll spot a wallet poking out of a pocket or an unzipped bag from a mile off.
2. Beware of Beware of Pickpockets signs! Thieves know that people self-consciously pat their pockets when they see these signs; it gives the game away immediately. Similarly, if you hear someone shout “I’ve been pickpocketed”, don’t touch your wallet!
3. Be vigilant against people who bump into you or spill things on you. Both are classic misdirection tactics.
4. Take extra care in busy areas and around ATMs. Fitting in, and looking like you know where you’re going will make you less appealing to thieves.
5. If you see a £20 note on the ground, ask yourself who’s watching. Whenever you bend down to pick up money, or help someone with dropped shopping, make sure you know where your valuables are.

I’ll be writing more about Get Lucky as we get nearer to the release date, but in the meantime, I really love this trailer from the old Robert Bresson film, Pickpocket.

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