Page:London spy, or, The frauds of London described (2).pdf/19

(19) by which they ſucceed in their nefarious practices, would be tedious: therefore I ſhall only obſerve, that in general two go together, one before and the other behind the person whoſe pocket is to be picked; the former of which ſtops the perſon, either in a croud, or by a pretended accident, while the other effects the buſineſs. Therefore it would be prudent, when in crouds, to keep one hand on your money, and the other on your watch, when you find any one puſh againſt you: But, ſhould you be robbed for want of taking proper care to prevent the ſame, take no notice till you ſee ſome perſon near you ſtealing away, when you are to ſecure him or her, and ten to one but you fix on the right perſon. You muſt, however, be careful to lay hold of their hands, for fear of their conveying your property to an accomplice, who is always ready to receive the ſame, and ſet off with it. Some Pickpockets are very dextrous in this way, by introducing their hands, without being perceived, into the very bottom of the breeches pocket, and taking out the money. None was more ſo, than the celebrated Miſs Weſt. Others, in introducing their hands up Ladies' petticoats, taking hold of the pocket, and