Pickpocketing is a crime, a form of larceny which involves the stealing of money and valuables off the person of a victim without them noticing.

The crime requires considerable dexterity and a knack for misdirection.

The crime used to be punished by death, but the public hangings were considered prime targets for pickpockets.

Famous fictional pickpockets include The Artful Dodger and Fagin.

It is also a skill used by magicians to either take an item from a spectator or return it without their knowledge.

External link

• Howstuffworks.com - Pickpocketing