Trick thieves usually work in teams. They often distract the victims by one perpetrator provoking a "traffic jam" in the crowd, bumping into the victims seemingly unintentionally or asking for the time, directions or similar. An accomplice takes the wallet or cell phone from the victim's pocket and disappears inconspicuously. Customers who unsuspectingly look at goods in stores, try on clothes or do their shopping are also popular victims of pickpockets. So anyone can become a victim! Openly carried valuables and bags make it easier for thieves to commit the crime. You can find the tricks of pickpockets here.

Victims of pickpocketing lose more than just their money. Recovering ID cards and keys is very time-consuming and expensive. Personal items and photos are often lost forever. Sensitive data and personal photos on smartphones fall into unknown hands. In the worst-case scenario, the credit card account is emptied and paid subscriptions and purchases are made with the ID card.

Many pickpockets are professional multiple offenders who make a living from their crimes. The perpetrators often work in teams and escape undetected. The victims often only realize that they have been robbed after a considerable delay. It is therefore difficult to determine the exact location of the crime and possible perpetrators. Observations by the victim or witnesses are therefore rare; descriptions of the perpetrators are the exception. Prevention is therefore the best way to combat pickpocketing.