Have you or someone you know ever been the victim of a pickpocket?

almost........I was with my wife, at a train station in Rome.....and she went up the escalator first....and then some dude just barged in front of me......so, whatever,  and I got behind him. 

what he apparently didn't see or realize......is that I was with her........and her husband.  Half way up the escalator, he's got his hand in her back pack.  I just grabbed him from behind,   startling the crap out of him, and kept hold til we got to the top of the stairs. .....and made my wife check the bag. 

He of course denied everything,  and kept saying, he had no idea what I was talking about, but I caught him,  literally red handed,

She checked the bag, and the wallet and everything was still there......so I just released him, and he took off running. 

These buggers are lightning fast.......and only need seconds to unzip a bag and reach in.   I could have yelled for a cop , but we were trying to make a train, and didn't have the time for a bog ordeal.   He didn't get anything......so, better luck next sucker. 

No, but I've seen one trying to work the crowd at Carnevale in Cento, Italy. Fortunately he wasn't very good and we held him for the police.

I haven't, but I do not know if the people I know have been.

Thankfully not yet

My dad once, while in Italy on business sometime in the 80's.

Not that I know of.

No, and where I live I would not advise them to try it.

Yes myself, some git pinched my wallet right out of my coat pocket when I accidentally fell asleep on a town bench, fortunately they were caught on camera and someone reported them to the police, unfortunately though they've never been caught.