The market, crammed with a thousand stalls, narrow aisles and crushing crowds, was a pickpocket’s paradise. Following complaints, the police were maintaining a hefty presence.
To avoid them, Clovis changed direction, simultaneously registering the barely perceptible glance of his wallet departing.
He considered a curly headed youth fleeing purposefully through the milling shoppers and when he judged the culprit was far enough away, pressed a button in his pocket.
The panicked shriek and frantic jig of the thief slapping at his spontaneously combusting coat, brought a chuckle.
“Always pleased to help,” he muttered, moving another wallet to his back pocket.
Written for Friday Fictioneers – a 100 words story based on a photo prompt. Hosted by Rochelle. Read the other entries here.
Michael Wynn 
I don’t suppose that one’s in any police tactics manual
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No, he’s lending a hand, so to speak
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A brilliant trap, very clever. I suspect the pickpockets may move on fairly soon!
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Thanks, Iain. Hopefully he will solve the problem.
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Thats a unique and clever pickpocketing ploy, I’m impressed. Well done.
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Thanks, Mason
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What a great idea, and read
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Thanks you Michael
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Very cool piece! Not to mention a great idea. Nice write.
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Thank you very much
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That’s one way to get pickpockets! Fun story with a nice twist at the end.
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Thank you, I’m pleased you thought so
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Swift and certain punishment is the best deterrent. I bet there would be way fewer pickpockets if this technique were allowed/employed. But then their would be an increase in home invasions, burglaries, car jacking, etc.
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Yes, you’re probably right. Solving one piece of anti social behaviour often just pushes the problem somewhere else.
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their = there
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So wonderfully conveyed.
At first, I thought Clovis is a thief, who has lost his wallet!
But, he’s clearly there to catch the thieves using smart technology 🙂
Thieves better beware!
Here is my story- The Red T-Shirt
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Thank you, I hoped readers may think Clovvis the criminal to start with.
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Dear Michael,
Ingenious! What a great way to catch a thief. Fun story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you, Rochelle
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What a unique and clever story. Pickpockets beware.
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Thank you very much
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If only it were legal…
Actually, perhaps it’s just as well it isn’t!
Nice take on the prompt, Michael.
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Thanks Penny
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What an excellent idea! Nice one Michael
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Thanks Keith
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Michael,
That’ll teach him!
~🕊Dora
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Hopefully, Dora
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Remind me to check my pockets if you are around. Good twist.
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Thank you Lindy
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Terrific story. I think it’s one that a lot of people would (like to) identify with.
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Thanks Eugenia, I think they probably do.
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How does the thief explain why he caught fire! Revenge is sweet, but how long will his vigilante work continue. Great idea.
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Thanks, James. I think you’re riight, the police will be looking for him as well as the thieves
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i suppose it makes his job feel a little more exicting. 🙂
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I think he gets a quiet pleasure from it. thanks Plaridel
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I enjoyed the way your story unfolded.
Nicely done … Be safe
Isadora 😎
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Thanks, Isadora
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Ha! Now that was a well thought out and meticulous plan. Those pickpockets will not see that coming.
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Thanks Laurie, I’m pleased you liked it
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Yeah, that’s the way to deal with these people 🙂
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Indeed, no other way. Get tough on them 🙂 Thanks Draliman
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So Clovis is a one man vigilante ? I’m intrigued, how did he get into this strategy. An inventive take on the prompt
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Thank you very much
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Great twist, and creative idea for discouraging the pickpockets. I thought your character was a pickpocket initially, but then … loved it!
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Thanks Brenda, I’m pleased you liked it
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Brilliant and well deserved.
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Thank you very much
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Evil laughter emerging here. This was a good one… and a lesson for the pick-pocket, too. Have a great week.
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Thank you very much for reading and taking the time to comment, it’s much appreciated
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Thank you very much and apologies for the late reply
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Great idea! Good take on the prompt 🙂
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Thanks Linda
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Pay back! Look who’s laughing now.
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Thanks Tannille
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Holy smokes Batman! That’s a mean trick.
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