pickpocketing
Stealing from pockets
Pickpocketing is the act of stealing from someone's pocket or bag without their awareness, typically in crowded public places.
The crime relies on distraction and dexterity rather than force: Pickpocketing is rampant in tourist areas.
The term covers both the practice generally and specific instances of it.
Dexterous trickery
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
- distractionThing diverting one's attention
- dexteritySkillful hand coordination
- nimblenessEase of quick movement
light-fingered · stall · fingering · palming · fanning · jostle · crowding · stalling
Minor, sneaky theft
- larcenyUnlawful taking of goods
- stealingUnlawful taking of property
- thieveryAct of stealing
- filchPetty theft
purloin · snatch · kleptomania · shoplifting · petty theft · grand theft · misappropriate · plunder
Small case for currency
- purseBag for personal items
- handbagPortable container for belongings
- backpackStrapped bag worn dorsally
- fanny packZippered pouch worn at waist
clutch · billfold · phone · watch · jewelry · valuables · cash · credit cards
Unlawful taking of goods
- felonySerious criminal offense
- misdemeanorLesser criminal charge
- offenseViolation or umbrage
- criminalPerson who breaks laws
arrest · prosecution · conviction · sentence · fine · jail · probation · recidivism
Done secretly, avoiding detection
- covertIntentionally concealed
- furtiveSecretive and sly
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- undetectedNot discovered yet
unnoticed · inconspicuous · subtle · discreet · silent · unseen · stealthy · shadowy
sleight
Dexterous trickery
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
- distractionThing diverting one's attention
- dexteritySkillful hand coordination
nimbleness · light-fingered · stall · fingering · palming · fanning · jostle · crowding · stalling · decoy
pilfering
Minor, sneaky theft
filch · purloin · snatch · kleptomania · shoplifting · petty theft · grand theft · misappropriate · plunder · heist
wallet
Small case for currency
- purseBag for personal items
- handbagPortable container for belongings
- backpackStrapped bag worn dorsally
fanny pack · clutch · billfold · phone · watch · jewelry · valuables · cash · credit cards · passport
larceny
Unlawful taking of goods
- felonySerious criminal offense
- misdemeanorLesser criminal charge
- offenseViolation or umbrage
criminal · arrest · prosecution · conviction · sentence · fine · jail · probation · recidivism · criminal record
surreptitious
Done secretly, avoiding detection
- covertIntentionally concealed
- furtiveSecretive and sly
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
undetected · unnoticed · inconspicuous · subtle · discreet · silent · unseen · stealthy · shadowy · elusive
sly
Cleverly deceptive
devious · artful · slick · shifty · guile · trickster · slippery · underhanded · subterfuge · scheming
- street consshell game, three card monte, three-card monte, thimblerig, cups and balls
- crimerobbery, accomplice, alibi, burglary, conspiracy
- crimesarson, burglary, robbery, kidnapping, vandalism
- theftstealing, larceny, steal, burglary, robbery
- street lifestreet food, street fair, street fairs, street music, street vendor
- Georgian crimecapital offenses, death penalty, hanging, transportation, public execution
pickpocketingarmed robbery
Theft with weapon threat
mugging · robbery · home invasion · carjacking · holdup
pickpocketinghonest work
Legitimate, ethical employment
earning · fair dealing · paying · purchasing · working for a living
- reverse pickpocketingSecretly adding to pockets
pick, pocket, picking, picked, picks, picket, pockets, pocketing, pocketed