3 attackers · Danger 2/5

Team pickpockets: defense in transit

Pickpockets work in teams of 3-5: a 'blocker' creating jam, a 'taker' grabbing, a 'transporter' walking off with loot. Tactic: recognize artificial jam, hand on pockets, exit at next stop.

Step-by-step tactic

1Bags and phones in front of you, never behind.
2Hand on inner pocket as soon as jam starts.
3Spot the 'blocker' (person blocking you without reason).
4Exit at next stop — breaks coordination.
5Report to an agent — teams are filed.

Eli & Yehouda Avikzar method — Facing many: never head-on. Identify the weak link, create a breach, flee. Survival isn't victory — it's the exit.

Legal framework

Theft in group (3+ coordinated) is 'aggravated theft' — 7 years + €100k. CCTV evidence usually available in transit zones.

Frequently asked questions

How to carry a wallet?

Inner front jacket pocket, never back trouser pocket (guaranteed theft).

Other multi-attacker situations

Street attack by 2 people: what to do?Attack by 3 people: survival tactic Attack by 4 people: group survival Encirclement by 5: breaking the circle Cornered by a group in a bar: what to do?

Also see

Panic reaction

I freeze when I'm attacked — what to do?

Panic reaction

I freeze in the face of danger — explanation and fix

Panic reaction

I can't move during an attack

Real scenario

Street mugging at night

Real scenario

Phone snatch and run

Real scenario

Nightclub exit attack

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