The technique seems to be more to up end the handbag into the carrier bag rather than rummage inside, which is more obvious. Something of value may fall out or it may not.

From my one personal experience, and what I have heard, pickpockets work in teams, with some team members distracting attention while others get on with the job - and of course the other team members may come to the aid of the person doing the lifting if things go wrong.

We didn't lose anything either, I'm pleased to say, though it was quite a determined and 'physical' attempt.

It's a pity that these traditional craft skills can't be put to better use - surely they could find a lucrative role in some unreconstructed corner of the investment 'industry'?