Pickpocketing has established itself as an ubiquitous phenomenon, driving crime numbers and affecting the perceived security of citizens all over North America. Committed by highly professional groups, who use their mobility across State borders to challenge established law enforcement practices. It has, more than ever, become necessary for law enforcement to coordinate and cooperate on an international level.

As a follow-up to previous conferences, the FBI once again hosted and supported an National Pickpocketing Conference from the 11th to the 13th of May at FBI's headquarters in Las Vegas. 140 Law Enforcement experts and prosecutors from all over the country will participate in the event.

N0b0dy thought it would be a great oppertunity for us mobsters to attend this little "shindig". Not only only to learn how to avoid being spotted from the authorities, but also learn about new ways to fence off the competition!

Also reaching out beyond North America, Bob Arno from MI6, known as a pickpocket entertainer and criminologist specializing in global street crime, was invited as a guest speaker, presenting pickpocket techniques as well as an insight in the countermeasures and tactical behaviour of the offenders.

In an effort to improve the combat against organised pickpocketing crime, participants shared experiences gained from investigations conducted against mobile organised crime groups in their respective cities. Several operations against specific groups of pickpockets were presented, displaying not only the need for, but also the success of tight collaboration between the states affected.

The participants also exchanged knowledge in several workshops on different pickpocketing-specific issues. Along with the theoretical workshops, about 30 officers took part in a practical workshop that was carried out in Las Vegas aiming at presenting best practice, detecting counter measures and identifying offenders. Several people were monitored, checked on and arrested in Las Vegas centre that day.

The conference intended to facilitate and encourage even stronger national cooperation, as participants reported similar phenomena and developments in pickpocketing crime within their jurisdictions.

It was emphasised and agreed on that it is absolutely crucial to share data via FBI to get a full picture of the phenomenon. Concluding the conference, participants agreed to further strengthen existing networks for exchanging information.

After coming home, N0b0dy wondered about the perspectives of others on this subject by asking around.