I will be honest, i dont have an issue with pickpocketing at all, i do have an issue with asking if i can steal from someone, lets face it if i walked along the street and asked if i can rob you what would you do? if the feature is so bad then why is it there at all.

As a hardened criminal or even a petty thief, I am certainly not going to walk up to a fancily dressed couple and say in my most posh voice; "excuse me but might I do you the most dishonorable disservice by taking a lot of money from your pockets and or purse?" To me that would be akin to saying "here are the handcuffs officer, please put me in them and haul me away." Granted, the people I PP the most tend to be family members because they are easy targets and the money whether through me or them is still going to my crew leader.

The main problem I have with the "NO PP" signs that these people wear is that there are often dire and well, unattainable threats cloaked within them such as "I will shoot you." or other such claims of violence. Many of these people don't have the guns or the wherewithal to actually follow through. It's like saying to a child "If you do that one more time I'm going to spank you." or "wait till your father gets home." and though the child continues the bad behaviour, the threat is never carried out and the child learns that it is acceptable to be disobedient and get away with it.

I understand that if you don't want to be PP that is fine, a simple "please don't PP me" will keep ME personally away from your pockets. I also respect city rules such as "ask first" or "under no circumstances will you PP any member of ____ city within it's borders." but if I am in a PP allowed city and there is a green light or no sign at all, that person is to be considered fair game.

As to paying it back, why would any other petty thief come by, snag your wallet, and then flout that fact by waving it around and then tossing it back at you with all your money in tact? That would be ridiculous! Having had my wallet stolen before, they took out my personal identification, my money, and even the pictures of my family and tossed the useless leather in a puddle. There was never a chance that I would recover what I lost and yes while I was angry and rightfully so, it was gone. There was no way to track down the thief or get a witness statement broadcasting the identity of the criminal and so, I picked up my sodden wallet, stuffed it back in my pocket, and went home to deal with the aftermath.

In short as someone who enjoys the sport of picking pockets, and who in turn is open to having theirs rifled through as well, I appreciate the good sports. If you don't want to be PP put it in your profile because if you don't and I see you, I might just go for it. Respect city laws, have fun, and don't feel obligated to pay it back. That is my two cents on the matter.

Archie, one of the biggest reasons I do not support death as a retaliation and or punishment for pickpocketing is because not everyone can be caught. Some people are so quick and fast that they are completely impossible to catch. So why should they go unpunished while others are being killed for the same offense? Some people are just born quicker than others, this shouldn't mean they should be exempt from retaliation nor should it mean those that are caught should suffer the utmost punishment we can receive in this life. Plus, I just don't think death is a realistic retaliation for five thousand dollars or less.

If I have any ideas though, I will definitely share them!

I would have no problem with allowing someone to pick my pocket, as long as the told me. For, say I just sold some very expensive goods, and was on my way to the bank when five grand of my hard-earned money was gone! I would not deposit all the money in the bank as soon as they asked, neither. I would leave about $500 for them to keep as a reward, if they were successful.

Hmm well I understand every one's comments but we are mobsters. I think this whole thing with signs saying no pp is stupid. honestly are you abiding by the law? Racketeering, prostitution's, selling drugs, robbing banks, killing, etc... I mean common people grow some balls here. You wake up every morning going out side knowing full well the risks you take every day within these cities. While I understand one would be upset with hard earned money getting taking from you i would be to. BUT MY GOD GET OVER IT! I am a MAFIOSO WITH BIG BALLS! and i will stick my hands in your pockets and take what i can lol (sorry) But look people that's the risk. Dont go whining, dont make threats but you want a tip PUT YOUR MONNEY IN THE BANK! This is a skill set of our world love it or hate it, it is there and I am takking full advantage of it. If you want a retaliation go steal you 5k back.

Mr. Pickles thinks all these points over

Picking pockets is a game.  A friendly bit of tag!  Bam, you're it!  If you want to kick up that money to your boss, why is it in your pockets?  And, if $5,000 will make or break your crewleader, then perhaps your crewleader needs some financial planning advice.

Now, as for the legality of it, we ARE a bunch of crooks.  Don't look so innocent over there!  You're not a "businessman."  That's just what you tell your wife and mistress.  But, there is honor among thieves.  That is why we should respect those who do not wish their pockets touched.  That's why when we pick, we only take $5,000.  We don't take that large cashier's check you've got.  Just the $5,000 of loose change you have lying around.  And, that's also why we give you plenty of time after your last pick to steal some postage stamps, sell some drugs, or heist a cigarette truck.

It's chump change.  It's a game.  It's a way we entertain ourselves as we walk around these streets.  And, in some cases, it's as close to a hug as some of you are going to get.

What sounds more dishonorable is shooting bodyguards who are standing around the unemployment line, mourning the death of their former boss.  But, hell, I do it.  They should have got another job.

As far as grabbing the wrong pockets go, I must confess, I have transgressed.  Sometimes, I like to drink.  Sometimes, I don't always pay attention when I dip into a pocket.  I have made a couple mistakes.  But, as soon as I do, you can be certain that I make immediate apologies and give them their money back with enough extra that they forgive my error.  I certainly didn't do it out of disrespect.

My final thought, if you don't want to be touched, go ahead and wear that button on your lapel that says you don't want to play with us.  If you're afraid of nefarious, disrespectful thieves, keep your money in the bank.  And, if your pockets are violated, it's certainly not an assault on you, your city, or your family.  It's just like getting beaned when you're at bat.  Take your base, and try to steal second.

Pickles turns back around, a little red in the face from having forgot his final final thought . . .

One more final last thing . . . when you are taking from wallets and purses, keep it amongst people who want to play.  There's nothing worse than getting involved in a game of dodgeball when all you wanted to do was play hopscotch.

 . . . well, I suppose there are worse things than that, but it's not fun.