Page:London spy, or, The frauds of London described (3).pdf/19

 by which they succeed in their nefarious practises, 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 pretending 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 itit. [sic] 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