With over two million views, our 50-minute National Geographic documentary “Pickpocket King” continues to raise questions. Here, Bob Arno addresses the frequently discussed issues of why the active pickpockets showed themselves in the film, and how they feel about it now.
Few people realize that pickpockets can roam across most of Europe with impunity, not getting caught if they work in a team. Since pickpocketing is a non-violent crime a judge will seldom mete out a prison sentence when they are caught, unless a victim testifies in court and a police officer observed the act. In Italy, victims seldom testify, and certainly not in Naples. Mess with the Camorra and you stand the chance of much worse happening to you than losing a wallet.
When pickpockets work in teams one member of the troupe makes sure there are no undercover police officers nearby to witness the theft. They can usually spot the cops before the cops recognize the pickpockets—a cat-and-mouse game in extreme. Each member in the pickpocket crew has a specific duty or position during the set-up and extraction. This was not detailed clearly in our National Geographic documentary, Pickpocket King.
Most of the pickpockets in Naples are already well-known to the police (and most have served time). So those thieves who showed themselves in the film were not afraid of becoming known to the police or damaging their reputations. Maybe, just maybe, their participation in the film in fact helped them with an argument that they cooperated in spreading useful information on how people might avoid becoming victims. For the pickpockets who were on parole, their participation may even have helped convince a judge that they were trying to go straight. Yes—Naples is a charming city but also a very cynical one.
But in retrospect, all the pickpockets are unhappy today that they were featured in our film. Not because of law enforcement, but because the global success of the film on Youtube makes their work harder. Tourists know now to beware. But the pickpockets never expected the viral success of the Pickpocket King documentary.
The film teaches a traveler’s best defense against pickpocketing: know in advance what to expect and take proper precautions, especially on crowded public transportation. And then enjoy the charm of Naples and its surroundings. Bambi and I feel it is one of the greatest tourist destinations on earth because of the diversity, unique charm, fabulous food, and true warmth of the people.
by chance someone posted bob ano on my fb i went to youtube .and was not sorry .i stopped my work because of this .bambi you and bob are a great couple love you guys .i learn”t a few things about traveling (i do it alot ) realized i was very naieve im sharing this with all my friends.love angelo and franco.
I can see why they regret it! There are probable tourists in naple baiting their back pockets with cheap wallets with paper in it, just to have the experience of being pickpocket by these celebrities! :D
Thank you for the kind words, Alessandro! So glad to hear that you loved our National Geographic documentary, Pickpocket King.
Loved your documentary!
You, Angelo and the other pickpockets were very charming indeed. It was very interesting for someone like me, who’s fascinated by thieves culture in “Hollywood style”.
Glad you liked the film, Sumedh. Thanks for your compliments!
Wow, loved how you told the story…I didn’t realise at what point exactly fell in love with Angelo and Franco, it was only when you bid them adieu did I feel that the story is coming to its end. Marvelous attempt and of course great content.
What a great story. Not many people can say they have interacted with pick pockets in such a friendly and co operative way.