Bob Arno

Bob Arno is the world’s foremost authority on pickpockets, street crime, and the techniques criminals use to exploit human behavior. He speaks on security awareness, identity theft prevention, and the psychology of deception, combining live demonstrations with serious security education that keeps audiences riveted. TIME magazine called him the world’s foremost expert on pickpocket techniques, and Fortune has described him as a leading criminologist of the streets.

From Stage to Streets
Bob built an international career as a comedy entertainer before turning his fascination with sleight of hand toward investigating real-world criminal techniques. He has traveled to over 100 cities worldwide to study, film, and confront active pickpockets, con artists, and street criminals, building an unparalleled database of criminal methods. His documentary work and research have made him a consultant to law enforcement agencies, corporate security teams, and government organizations around the world.

Secrets of the Steal Business
Bob’s signature presentation blends entertainment with serious security awareness, using live audience demonstrations to show how criminals exploit trust, distraction, and human psychology. His work helps organizations protect their employees, customers, and assets from the real-world threats that technology alone cannot prevent. His keynotes deliver an unforgettable combination of entertainment and education on security awareness, cybercrime prevention, and the human vulnerabilities that make organizations targets.

The art of the Steal

Interactive comedy pickpocket stage show blends hilarity and reality. High-impact, high-comedy, audience participation, ideally 55 minutes long. Bob excels at ice-breaking multinational audiences, and is a powerful closer at gala awards dinners. In the middle of the show, he projects a few minutes of his own footage of real street thieves in action. Audiences always find the video fascinating, and Bob follows it with a comedy spoof. With smart, timely, useful content, audiences learn through their tears of laughter. Different, powerful, side-splitting.

Secrets of the Steal Business

Keynote & comedy: timely security topics for all. Renowned travel safety expert Bob Arno shares his entertaining insight through the back door of street crime. Packed with humor and anti-theft advice, this demo-rich, destination-specific presentation is fully customizable and includes relevant video from the keynote speaker’s own archive. Regularly praised as “fascinating,” ”educational,” & “invaluable.”

The Illicit Acquisitions Game

Same as above, but less comedy, less fun, concentration on delivery of serious information. Can be booked as a second, separate presentation with The Art of the Steal.

Identity Theft in the Internet Age

Bob Arno is an international street-crime and diversion theft authority. He scouts the world’s major cities to track and film con artists and scamsters in action. His extraordinary footage, frequently used on news- and talk-shows, is a highlight of his presentations. It reveals creative ruses, brazen thefts, secret MOs, and techniques in identity theft never before documented. Many hours of interrogation of thieves have given Bob a unique insight into the mind and manners of identity thieves and their latest tricks-of-the-trade. Bob stresses the importance of simple and serious steps to reduce exposure and risk of ID theft.

Travel Safety: Theft, Cons and street Scams

In today’s climate of fear and suspicion, we all seem to be looking over our shoulders when we travel. But do we know what to look for? Would we know a bad guy if we saw one? Criminologist Bob Arno practically guarantees the safety of his attendees after this show-and-tell lecture. Illustrated with demonstrations, brought to life with video, and peppered with anecdotes, this keynote speaker’s upbeat presentation teaches awareness and how to spot suspicious behavior. Talks are tailored for specific audiences according to travel sophistication level, and may be general or customized for particular itineraries. Usually, the world’s favorite tourist destinations are covered. For each country and city discussed, Bob defines the creative ruses used to con or rob a tourist and shows video examples of actual incidents. Each MO is admirable for its sheer deviousness.