![]() In its Jissue, Time magazine wrote: "One of the world's foremost experts in the techniques of first-rank 'wires' (or 'cannons' or 'pit workers') is Bob Arno, a 29-year-old Swede whose demonstrations onstage and in nightclubs earn him more than $100,000 a year." In a Januarticle entitled "Beware the Stiff-Armed Stranger He May be Lifting Your Wallet," The Wall Street Journal quoted "Robert Arno, a Miami, Fla., pickpocketing expert who's advised police in various countries." On May 11, 1969, a front page profile written by Brian Moynahan in the London Sunday Times called Arno "one of the world's pickpocketing experts." In the four-column article Arno describes theft risks peculiar to various Asian countries and compares victim reaction by nationality. His study had begun much earlier with observations of soldiers on R&R leave in Asia during the 1960s. Thus began Arno's career as a criminologist and speaker. ![]() But the video footage and interviews garnered interest from law enforcement and security agencies, while the video mixed with anecdotes and lessons became a popular lecture to laymen. Certainly they were able to port street techniques to the stage, as originally intended. In the preface of their book (see below), Arno and Vincent claim to have initially suffered inner turmoil created by failing to prevent incidents occurring in their presence, but they overcame that discomfort after realizing the value of their study. Arno and Vincent began calling themselves "thiefhunters" and soon amassed a valuable film archive of a (then) little-documented crime. "Wearing hidden camera and recording equipment, they do everything they can to put themselves in the thick of the action," according to Las Vegas Review Journal. They began a serious study of street criminals, filming them in the act of tricking and/or stealing from victims, and interviewing them when possible. In 1993, looking to expand the show, Arno and his wife, Bambi Vincent, challenged themselves to bring elements from the street to the stage. Blue Moon Talent Agency says "Nothing a victim possesses is safe from Bob Arno's lightning lifts." He has perfected the art of the steal to include neckties, suspenders, glasses, belts, cell phones, wallets, and pocket contents, as well as watches. Regardless, Arno's thievery skills are legendary. And, given that his show is comedy, he is not above preparing a volunteer on occasion to enhance his humorous finale. He does incorporate principles of magic in much the same manner that criminal pickpockets, con artists, and other street thieves do. Unlike most other performers in the small, specialized field of pickpocket entertainment, Arno does not present magical effects for their own sake. This "reality factor" contributes greatly to the presentation's originality and adds elements of awe and enlightenment that give it depth beyond comedy. As described in a Maarticle in The New York Times, the video is footage shot by himself and his wife, Bambi Vincent, of criminal pickpockets and other street thieves before, during, and after committing their crimes. First among these is his incorporation of documentary-style video which is projected during his presentation. He grew up in Stockholm, Sweden, and became a US citizen in 1992.Īrno's stage pickpocket performance is billed as comedy, though it includes some non-comedic elements which, nevertheless, fascinate and impress audience members. Bob Arno, handcuffed, with cash, wallets, and credit cardsīob Arno (born 1940 ) is a Swedish-American entertainer, known primarily as a comedy pickpocket, and more recently criminologist specializing in global street crime.
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