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Close.Up.Dave Inner circle Behind you! 2956 Posts |
Does anyone get away with pickpocketing or do watch stealing in restaurants? I just thought about it right now but It seems like a good idea and a bad one. Its funny when they realize what happens but if they catch you in the act they may think you are just stealing from them and take it out on the restaurant. I've never tried it but it would be a cool thing to do watch steal routine.
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NJJ Inner circle 6437 Posts |
That could occur almost anywhere. If your watch steal is good. GO FOR IT!
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Close.Up.Dave Inner circle Behind you! 2956 Posts |
True but if you use it in a street performance then no one can complain to the restaurant which could have your job.
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Lee Darrow V.I.P. Chicago, IL USA 3588 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-08-18 21:06, dave2lift wrote: Over the years, I have seen several restaurant magicians get into serious trouble doing dip routines without the proper setup. One fellow got arrested when the guest claimed that HIS watch was a Rolex, not the Timex the magician tried to return to him. It got sorted out, but it was UGLY and cost him the gig. On another occasion, a magician was doing Ring Flight and the customers (a husband and wife team of con artists no less) pulled a similar stunt on the magician at a local restaurant. I would be VERY careful how you do this (IF you do this) as the liability falls both on you AND the restaurant. And that can get nasty. There's this thing with insurance companies called "subrogation..." That's where the insurance company covering the restaurant can come after YOU to recover their costs should something go sour for you in a similar situation. This is why many insurance companies that handle performers will NOT cover dip acts. Kind regards, Lee Darrow, C.Ht.
http://www.leedarrow.com
<BR>"Because NICE Matters!" |
JamesCoats New user 15 Posts |
I feel that the restaurant is a prime place to practice pickpocketing. I personally feel that it's one best places because it's safe to do it there and most people know you are a magician so if you get caught they don't think your really stealing.
Make sure the management knows what you are doing and make sure that each night you check all your personal belonging(Wallet, Keys, and Cash) with a manager before you get started and when you leave make sure a manager of the restaurant does a quick search. Being a professional pickpocket magician and prevention specialist I have perfoming at hundreds of locations and have found this method of checking your personal belongings works the best incase someone forgets they left there watch or wallet at home. As a side note Nick Byrd and I are having the first annual Pickpocketing teaching Seminar on November 15th and 16th here in Chicago. For details email me at coats01@comcast.net. Make sure and check out the fullpage ad in the October issue of Magic Magazine. Thanks, James Coats |
Lee Darrow V.I.P. Chicago, IL USA 3588 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-08-19 17:10, JamesCoats wrote: James, Your comment on having management check your pockets out before you leave points out exactly the problem a dip act creates for a restaurant or bar. Suspicion will STILL be there in some minds. People KNOW you are a magician and have plenty of other ways of hiding stuff. I know of at least two restaurants that I have worked for that were VERY specific in the interview process when they stated that pickpocketing as part of the magical performance would lead to immediate dismissal because of liability issues. Let's face it - if you were a customer in a restaurant and a stranger came up to you claiming to be a magician did a couple of tricks, you might be a little put off if you weren't expecting it. Now add the problem of finding this guy's hand in your pocket or him stealing YOUR watch or wallet - in front of your "dream date." The immediate reaction is to check the contents of the wallet and possibly get mad - after all, you have just been made to look the fool AND been the victim of theft (in the broad definition of the term and in the perception of the spectator). Aside from the possibility of the guy claiming actual theft (see my earlier post), the probability of him getting ticked off is much higher than with even a "sucker" trick like card to forehead. Receipe for disaster, frankly. Card to forehead can be mitigated by putting the laugh on the performer's ownself ("Cheer up! YOU could have to make a living doing this!"). Handing a guy back his wallet isn't so easily covered. I did it ONCE. On a stage show, during a thumbcuffs routine. What I dipped was a Chicago Police Detective's badge holder with the badge in it. It got a great laugh from the audience, but I had to deal with one REALLY ticked off cop. I managed, but it was NOT fun. Just too dangerous for me. Respectfully, Lee Darrow, C.Ht.
http://www.leedarrow.com
<BR>"Because NICE Matters!" |
flourish dude Inner circle from ? But I know where I am going! 1195 Posts |
I take at least 5 watches a night. never had a problem. I don't do wallets or rings just watches. Also I go for the cheap leather band watches. No reason to be a Rolex. Sure there is a risk but if you wear a name tag and your performance style is right your should have little problems. I find most are amazed not mad that you took it. I am sure I will tick someone off someday.
You should also be able to read your people. I have backed down a few times because I did not feel right about them. Another thing if you do it for a group of people they will say "your watch" this helps cover you.
Nothing of the same will bring any change, take action today!
Just taking a step, is a step in the right direction because when you stop working, your dream dies. www.magicalmemories.us |
itsmagicman New user CK magic 6 Posts |
To me watch stealing at restaurants should be fine, as long at the owner of the restaurant says its okay for you to do, I say go for it. Also you shouldn't get caught when stealing the watch. If your good enough at it you'll get it everytime. Im only 14, and look forward to the day when I get my first job table hopping at a restaurant!
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crazyhands New user 53 Posts |
Any references on pickpoting and watch stealing you guys could point me out to? (For entertainment purposes of course).
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JamesCoats New user 15 Posts |
Crazyhands:
Please look into Mastering the Art of Pickpocketing DVD and Mastering the Art of Watch Stealing DVD. You will find the material covered is basic and easy to learn and follow. You can get them both at http://www.carealonfilms.com. Lee: I agree with you on the points that you made. It takes a special individual to do full all out pickpocketing in any setting. Myself and Nicholas decided that we were going to do every technique to everyone we could and that's why we personally have become good at what we do. Here is an important part that has not been mentioned. Feel the people out with a few tricks before you start removing their items. If they react well to the magic that's a sure green light to start the removal process. Nicholas Byrd and myself did this as a team for many years with only a few bad out comes but they were bad outcomes. If your not a pickpocket, do as Flourish dude does and just do a watch steal(Which he does very well and very smoothly) or do a card in pocket. A major part of pickpocketing is personality and being able to change it at a drop of a hat, to mimic the personality of the person you are stealing from. That way you're not a threat you just seem familiar to them. Lee as a side note I have heard a lot of great things about your Hypnosis shows. I would love to come see one next time you do one here in Chicago. PM me the details. Thanks, James Coats |
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