Pickpockets are probably the most successful thieves walking the earth other than politicians and central bankers. I probably shouldn't have mentioned politicians and central bankers, but then again, psychologists tell us there is a lot of knowledge to be gleaned from word association.
First of all, every successful pickpocket has a game plan. As Coach Vince Lombardi taught his Green Bay Packers, learn and know one play and then be proficient in 27 variations of that play and you'll win the game. The game plan of the pickpocket is to create a distraction, get the wallet, and disappear. Success in all in the timing.
Secondly, success requires patience. For pickpockets, and the like, this means getting to know the mark. The pickpocket watches to see how the mark moves through the crowd, how s/he responds to being jostled, whether s/he is in a hurry. After all, you can't just walk up to someone and grab their wallet unless you have a gun. Weapons of any kind go against the philosophy of the pickpocket, or the like, of taking people's money without them realizing it's gone.
Lastly, once the observation is complete, the pickpocket, or whoever, moves without hesitation. No second thoughts. Hit. Grab. Go.
Hesitation or procrastination brings loss and sorrow.
Read. Learn. Take defensive action. Now.
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