THIEVES' LATEST METHOD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18025, 25 February 1922, Page 8 (Supplement)

THIEVES' LATEST METHOD.

"BEFRIEND" GANG VICTIMS. THEN PICK THEIR POCKETS. frew York's pickpockets bar* a now gams. They call it the "Rescue Game." Thoy "rescue" a handpicked victim from the dutches of a fiang bent on cleaning out his pockets. After he baa been "resetted" evatything saleable or pawnable that he carries is removed by the "rescuer" and the spoils are divided among the "rescuer" and the band that was apparently defeated in its purpose. Prohibition has reduced appreciably the profits of the industry in which Oliver Twist was trained by Fagin. The fewer the "drunks" the fewer the tjctims. Many of the " dips," as the pickpocket is known in police classification, have turned to bootlegging, but there remains no lack of those who stick to their old occupation. Elevated and subway trains and stations, especially in the early morning hours, are still fertile fields for their endeavours.

Travelling in pairs cm local subway trains from midnight on, the pickpockets stand at aide, doors, one en each side, and watch for " sleepers"—men or women who have fallen asleep on a bench while waiting for a train, or have ken overcome by the opiate- dispensed as "hootch" by boollege.ers. If they spot such a "sleeper" the pickpockets get off at the nearest station and board a train which will take them to the platform where the 'sluraberer is snoring. Then they will awpit their chance to empty his or her pockets without detection. Having taken all there is worth t-akiup, thoy board the next train and repeat the process, riding trom one end uf the lino \o tho other until traffic, bojrins to cot. so heavy that they can no longer operate with safety.

Pickpockets Dread Train Guards. This method, however, is not as lucrative; as in days of yore, for tho train guards have learned, to recognise faces, and when they observe a familiar pair riding up and down the lino continuously, thev take steps to spoil the game. When the" pickpockets get off tile guard delays his train long enough to tell the ticket agent at that station, and ho in turn telephones to the ticket agent at tho corresponding uptown station to ho on the lookout, and if lie has a " sleeper" on Ins hands to rous-> and warn him. So, responding to the need of devising rew and protectiva ways of pursuing their calling with profit, tho pickpockets havo taken to the " rescue game." As exemplified at a Bronx subway station at 4 o'clock in tho morning a few weeks ago, the game, is played Jn this wise: Surrounded by' a group, easily recognizable to tho trained eyo as consisting of half a dozen pickpockets or gangsters, was an intoxicated individual, who wore, good clothes, a diamond ring, and a conepicnous watch chain. Riding uptown, the gang liad' surrounded him and on,s had applied a vile epithet to him. When he resented the insult and wanted to fight his insulter, the latter disclaimed apply. ing tho epithet to him, saying he had meant it for ono of his companions, This served the purpose of the. gang, however, for it started an argument, which they took pains to keep just short of blows, that lasted until the passenger got. off, they following, and renewing it on the | station platform.

How thef Trick is Played. They, closed around him, apparently to " beat hira up." At a moment when the first hlow seemed about to fall a newcomer strolled up, apparently equally, and asked what the trouble was. To the initiated eye he, too, had all the tnarks of the underworld. When explanations started he ai once took the part of tho victim. He seemed to. awe the gaug and when he took tho inebriate by the aim to lead him avAy, explaining to that individual that ho would take care of him, not a dissenting voice 'was heard. This, to one who knows New York criminal gangs, revealed the trick, for had the newcomer not, of; .IHeir number, they would have attacked him.

one of their number, they would have But the prey refused to bo rescued 1 . "I c'n take care of m'seJf," he announced in bellicose tones. "I'm an American 'n I cau lick th* bunch."

He shook off the detaining arm and lurched toward the group of silent gang, sters. There was no response to his challenge. The rescuer followed and again taking his arm told him there wasn't any doubt be could " cltan np the gang,'' but the btst thing to do was to cone aJong with him. Finally convinced that he had snfKcienf.lv demonstrated bis courage and invincibility, the rescued victim staggered away with his protector. Later in the day he was richer in experience and poorer in pocket, and the gang divided tho "swag."