Legal Definitions - pickpocket

A pickpocket is an individual who commits theft by secretly taking money or personal belongings directly from another person's body or immediate possession, often without the victim's awareness at the time. This act can involve subtle maneuvers or a deliberate distraction to divert the victim's attention.

• Example 1 (Stealth): While riding a crowded subway train during rush hour, a commuter feels a slight brush against their leg but attributes it to the packed conditions. Later, upon arriving at work, they realize their phone is no longer in their front pants pocket.

  Explanation: This scenario illustrates a pickpocket operating with stealth, taking property (the phone) directly from the victim's person (pants pocket) without the victim immediately realizing the theft has occurred.

• Example 2 (Diversion): At a busy tourist landmark, a group of friends is approached by someone asking for help taking a photo. As the friends pose for the picture, another person subtly unzips a backpack worn by one of them and removes their wallet.

  Explanation: Here, the request for a photo acts as a deliberate distraction, drawing the victims' attention away from their belongings. This allows the pickpocket to steal property (the wallet) directly from the victim's immediate possession (the backpack on their person) during the momentary diversion.