The Art of Pickpocketing and Its Waning Popularity in the United States

Have people forgotten how to pickpocket in the US? I've been here for years and only heard of it happening once. Despite the changing landscape of urban crime, the art of pickpocketing still persists, albeit in a much less visible form than in the past. While street children who used to engage in this practice are now rare, recent personal experiences reveal that the threat is still very real.

The incident occurred at O Hair airport when I went to the counter to get my next onward ticket due to a flight change. I carefully placed my passport and ticket in the upper inside pocket of my suit jacket. As I walked away from the counter, I slipped my passport holder into my side suit pocket. Afterward, I went outside to have a smoke before catching the terminal bus. Unfortunately, someone managed to pickpocket me, stealing my passport holder. I suspect that the thief was watching from outside the window, as it is a common method. This theft set me back significantly, as I had only had that holder for about five years and now I need to buy a new one.

While Corwin’s first four points are well-founded, the argument that stealing passports is less common in the US is a significant point worth further exploration. According to Corwin, pickpocketing is a difficult skill, and the rewards have become too small to make it worth the risk for many people.

Urban Climates and Pickpocketing Feasibility

Feasibility in Dense Urban Areas
In densely packed areas, pickpocketing is much more feasible. This is observed in the 'Old World' of Europe, where even the largest cities often have narrow streets that naturally trap people close to each other. The existence of narrow streets, such as those in Paris, Rome, Naples, Madrid, and other European cities notorious for pickpocketing, poses a significant risk. These streets are so confined that they can barely accommodate even a small car, let alone an SUV, and pedestrians often have to squeeze themselves into tight spaces to avoid being "swiped."

The Ideal Pickpocketing Environment

These cramped streets create a perfect environment for pickpockets. Once a target is picked, it is very easy to disappear into the maze-like structure of the streets. The narrowness and intricate layout of these areas make it challenging for authorities to surveil and respond quickly to incidents. In the US, the closest equivalents are only found in certain parts of lower Manhattan and downtown Boston, and even then, they are not as extreme.

The crime environment in the US is much less conducive to pickpocketing. Unlike in Europe, there are few streets in American cities that are narrow enough to warrant the same level of caution. Even in densely populated areas such as Chicago, LA, or Dallas, the streets are much wider, making it harder for pickpocketing to be efficient or untraceable.

Changing Crime Trends in the U.S.

In the recent past, many urban areas in the US have witnessed a significant decline in pickpocketing. Factors contributing to this include an increased awareness of personal safety, the development of security systems in public venues, and the distribution of safety tips to travelers. Additionally, the rise of modern technology and cashless transactions has reduced the incentive for pickpockets to engage in this activity.

For instance, when it comes to travel security, the move towards digital tickets and passport holders has made physical pickpocketing less appealing. Most people now carry passports in protective cases or wear them as self-contained items, making it harder for pickpockets to steal them. This shift has also contributed to a decrease in overall pickpocketing activity in the UK, as evidenced by a 2019 report which showed a decrease in the number of reported cases.

Conclusion

While pickpocketing remains a viable threat in certain areas, the overall prevalence of this crime in the US has significantly decreased. The changing urban landscape, along with advances in technology and safety measures, has made it less feasible for pickpockets. Although incidents still occur, they are far less common and more difficult to carry out without being detected. Awareness and preparedness are key to minimizing the risk of falling victim to pickpocketing, whether you are traveling or living in the US.