Whew, that is a real poser of a question. Pickpocket acts much like manipulation acts require constant practice. But then any good magic act, regardless of the type of the act (manipulation, comedy magic, illusion, etc.), requires constant rehearsal and practice to keep fresh and smooth. Most pickpocket stunts require great physical misdirection (touching, shoving, moving, verbal barrage, etc). The true secret to pick pocketing is to create sensory overload in the victim. Simply put, the victim is bombarded with visual, auditory, and kinesthetic cues simultaneously. It is impossible to respond to that much going all at the same time.

In general, learning the basics of a pick pocketing stunt probably takes the same amount of time as learning the basics of any magic trick. That said, I learned to “dip” a wallet from a pants pocket, unnoticed, in minutes. I have diligently practiced my “invisible pass” for years and it still isn’t (invisible!)! Oh well…

I don't know about you, but I only do pick-pocketing/watch stealing on people who I know fairly well, I couldn't bare the thought of being caught half way through while doing it on a stranger.

Two site for Whiz Mob book;


http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search......-8989516

And

http://dogbert.abebooks.com/servlet/Sear......amp;x=58

James coat is the person you should see!!

I was wondering, How would you get a coin into someones pocket? I tryed it on my friend(his name is Danzig here), but he just yelled at me when I tryed to get the coin into his pocket, he said it made him think I was trying to do "Something".

Alex

Like any other, it's a skill that requires practice, and some good misdirection.
Instead of "pick pocketing" it's called "put pocketing."

Greg wilson has a "watch steal" manuscript out. it's around $10 CDN. I suppose you could go tp the local penitentiary and ask for some advice...

I remember an afternoon in Rome many years ago, when I was living in Paris, watching the gypsy kids pickpocket the tourists walking to the coliseum. Everyday, all day, they would fleece the big red tourists in shorts and tennis shoes, wearing a fanny pack on the front side. Five to fifteen kids would come to the tourist, pulling on them, putting their hand out, and asking questions that were unintelligible. The oldest kid standing directly in front of the victim would hold a newspaper horizontally over the fanny pack and literally zip it open and go through it. There wasn't a direct view due to the newspaper over it. The kid would go through the wallet, take the cash, look into the passport, and go through the entire pack. Finally they'd put everything back into the pack (except the cash) and zip it closed. When finished, the kids ran off and nothing would be noticed until dinner time.

What amazed me most was how easy it was and how unaware the victims were. So, be confident when pickpocketing on stage and be careful when traveling!!!

Roland
http://www.danceofillusion.com