Focus your attention on your personal belongings if someone suddenly bumps into you, stops you to ask the time or drops coins in front of you. Pickpockets frequently distract their victims and while your attention is diverted, their partner swoops in and picks your pocket.
Note individuals who don't appear to be together, yet seem to be signaling one another. They may be honing in on someone to pickpocket. Being observant of these behaviors may help you to catch a pickpocket before a crime has even occurred.
Watch for behavior on trains that could signal a pickpocket is looking for a victim. They may exit one door and re-enter the same car through another. They may seat themselves next to someone who is sleeping. You might also observe two people having a conversation, splitting up and reconvening a few moments later.
Pay attention to the behaviors and not the appearance of a person. You may have a pre-conceived notion of what a pickpocket looks like, but some may dress in business attire to throw off potential victims. Often, children are used in pickpocketing schemes; sometimes asking you for money as a diversion while another child steals your valuables.
