Question

Many of us are used to hearing stories of people being pickpocketed in busy places. But most of us are aware of the dangers, so we are safe – at least, we think we are.

According to a BBC report, a growing number of thieves are trying to “hack (侵入) our mind’s weaknesses” to get their hands on our possessions.

“In fact, the key requirement for a successful pickpocket isn’t having quick fingers,” said the report. By using psychology, some pickpockets are taking advantage of the loopholes(漏洞) in our brains.

Our lack of ability to multitask is one of the most important loopholes used by pickpockets, the report explains. While this can often be a good trait(特點(diǎn)), allowing us to focus on the most important details in our surroundings, “a good trickster can use it against you, ” said neuroscientist Auzana Martinez-Conde.

“It’s all about directing people’s attention toward something else,” said James Brown, who studies the tricks of pickpocketing. Confidence, the power of suggestion, and certain hand movements such as moving your hands in an arc (弧形) are all said to be things that fool us.

Groups of pickpockets use a common trick designed to create a scene and confuse victims.

The first gang member, a “blocker”, walks in front of the victim and suddenly bumps into them. A second member of the gang then bumps into both of them from behind and stages an argument with the “blocker”. In the confusion, both men steal what they can and pass it to a third thief who quickly runs off with the stolen goods.

Some thieves go even further to exploit our psychology by hanging out near signs reading “beware of pickpockets”. Since this is one of the last places people expect to be robbed, many check where their valuables are, giving away their location to thieves.

But according to Brown, as long as we don’t daydream in public, we shouldn’t be worried.

“A street thief will avoid like the plague(瘟疫)” people who are demonstrating（展現(xiàn)）a very open awareness of their environment,” he said.

1.According to the BBC report, the main strategy of a successful pickpocket is________.

A. to distract victims

B. to give themselves multiple tasks to do

C. to focus on the most important details

D. to use swift hand movements

2.When groups of pickpockets use their common trick, ________.

A. it is the third thief’s task to steal what they can from the victim

B. the victim usually doesn’t dare to argue with them

C. the victim usually gets confused and lets down his or her guard

D. two members bump into the victim from different directions at the same time

3.Why do some thieves hang out near signs saying things like “beware of pickpocketers”?

A. They think it is more thrilling to steal in those areas.

B. Normally there are no police officers around.

C. They don’t know common people’s psychology.

D. They have a better chance of locating people’s valuables there.

4.According to James Brown, which of the following types of person is more likely to be pickpocketed?

A. People who look weak.

B. People who are walking slowly.

C. People who are absent-minded.

D. People who are alert to their surroundings.

Answer 1