A、It is a fast increasing crime. B、Its methods are improving. C、Nobody is safe from a veteran pickpocket. D、There are about 4 00

Throughout history, people have been the victims of pickpockets. Today , pickpocketing is one of the most rapidly increasing crimes. Pickpockets are increasing in number and developing better methods to apply their skill. Approximately, one million Americans lose money to pickpockets every year, and no one is really safe from a skilled pickpocket. His victims, or "marks" as they are called, can be rich or poor, young or old.
    During the 18th century, pickpockets were hanged in England. Large crowds of people would gather to watch the hanging which was supposed to be a warning to other pickpockets. However, in time the practice was discontinued. The reason was that while people were concentratively watching the hanging of a pickpocket other pickpockets skillfully stole the money of the spectators!
    Police offcials say that most efficient pickpockets come from South America. Many of these expert pickpockets are trained in special schools called "Jingle Bell School". A pickpocket graduates from a J. B. S. when he is able to steal a wallet from a dressed dummy (mannequin) that has bells inside its pockets.
    Even the most well-dressed, respectable person may be a pickpocket. Some of the favorite places of pickpockets are banks, airports, racetracks, supermarkets, elevators, and train and bus stations. Usually a pickpocket will work with another pickpocket as his partner. Another kind of pickpocket works outside or inside bars and specializes in stealing from persons who have had too much alcohol to drink. The pickpocket that specializes in stealing from women is called a " purse snatcher".
    To avoid being the victim of a pickpocket, it is important to be very cautious and alert when in the midst of large gatherings of people.