I study pickpockets around the world. I find, follow, and film them, then interview them. While Dave is right that South African cities have their shares of thieves, it doesn't quite make the top-ten list. St. Petersburg, Russia should have been on the list though. And so should Naples, Italy. European travelers wear their backpacks in front as a safety habit. It's like Americans waiting for the pedestrian signs to say "walk" in Naples; the locals laugh and walk straight into traffic, though we wouldn't dream of doing that. Habit. It's what we've been taught.

There's plenty of pickpocketing in the U.S., but instead of ruining the reputation of a single city, the thieves tend to rove. They follow the big events, like Super Bowls, big concerts, Kentucky Derby, and fights. That's where the crowds are, the natural distractions, the good moods, drinking, and fat wallets. For insights on individual thieves, their stories, and tips on how to avoid becoming their victims, check out Thiefhunters in Paradise at http://bobarno.com/thiefhunters

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