“Sleight of Hand Two Pakistani tricksters employed sleight of hand at various shops and hotels island wide last year to steal money from unknowing cashiers. One of them would take money from the cashier using an excuse while the other distracted the cashier. The money would then be returned to the cashier but with some cash missing. They would leave the shop before the cashier could finish counting the notes.” Extracted from the Singapore police force
These two Pakistani managed to pass through the customs without being detected. As seen from the re-enactment, both were very smartly dressed, cultured n refined. One would make up an excuse to take money from the cashier while the other distracts the cashier. They employed the same technique to many unsuspecting cashiers over a very short period of time. However, the two were eventually arrested at the Causeway.
All victims described the tricksters as smartly dressed. In my opinion, these tricksters were indeed intelligent. Everything was well planned and probably well rehearsed before execution. They were able to allow their victims lower their guard by creating a perception of a genuine tourist and collector and convince the victims in handing over the cash. The same technique was employed repeatedly after realizing that it was workable (Pragmatic approach). The success of the tricksters also lies in the use of nonverbal cues. Mainly Paralinguistics and Oculesics. For instance, calm, soothing and steady voice (Paralinguistics) as well as constantly maintaining suitable eye contact (Oculesics). Amazingly, communication is not only an extremely vital tool in the public relation industry but also in committing crimes.
If I were in the culprits’ shoes, I would have applied a different approach. I wouldn’t have maintained the same appearance or the same outfit for the subsequent crimes. Most importantly, I would not even have driven a car. A car will definitely leave traces and that is as good as turning myself in.
I know what is on your mind, do not change your perception of me; I’m not a thief! Even though I think the life of a thief is certainly more enriching and exciting as compared to a regular policeman. But I must admit that I do use these ‘arsenals of weapon’ sometimes. And I think you’re not much different from me, correct me if I’m wrong, we do rely on these ‘weapons’ in some point in our lives to get what we desire, don’t we?
4 comments:
wow, didn't know non-verbal communication is used in committing crimes. nice analysis u did.
& i reckon u will be a better thief if u were really one. haha, just kidding.
Ya, that was a good analysis you did on non-verbal communication. Like what people used to say, first impression matters alot. So dressing up nicely and acting confidently would really help a thef job get away unnoticed till later. But there's always another saying which says- do not judge the book by its cover. haha!
Well, I think that all of us should be always be alert of thef or other misfortune. But easier said than done i guess, for me, i think i would be fooled by the 'professional' thieves too.
Singapore has protraited an image of safe and sound city relative to our neighbouring countries. Putting ourselves in the victims' shoes, will we be on your guards? If i am the victims, i would never thought that it would happen to me.
well, better be on my guards too.
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