Time Magazine called him "the world's foremost expert on the techniques of first-rank 'wires.' " Hey -- they said it, we didn't. But years of research and Bob's fascination with real street crime have made him an authority frequently consulted by police, security experts, and television producers. So it must be true.

As a lifelong observer of human social signals, it is Bob Arno's skill at "reading people" that steers him on stage and off. His uncanny ability to decipher body language has enabled him to identify and track actual thieves out in the real world, and capture their crimes on film.

The word "unconventional" defines Bob Arno both on stage and off. He did magic as a kid, as many kids do, but he stuck with it, as most kids don't. He started performing as a teenager and, as his gigs took him to evermore exotic locations, combined performing with freelance photography.

From magician to scoundrel. It was on a photojournalism project in Southeast Asia that Bob Arno ventured into the depths of an underground subculture. Working on assignment for a series on swindles in the Asian marketplace, he tailed shortchange artists, pickpockets, and fake-jewelry hustlers, whose main targets were GIs on R&R leave. His exposés caught the attention of the U.S. Military and he was asked to give lectures on the subject. His presentations, complete with demos and comedy, were so well-received he took his "act" into show business. Today, his peripatetic lecture-show has been seen by millions all over the world.

The Bob Arno Show
He's so different. Not a stand-up comedian or a magician who pops out of boxes. You've never seen this before. While there are a handful of pickpocket entertainers in the world, none has taken the theme to the extent Bob has, offering a full hour of innovative, educational, fascinating, and funny pickpocket entertainment, free of fluff and padding.

Real-world advice. Bob always spends a few minutes talking about how real street-thieves operate and how savvy travelers can foil them. Even after a performance meant to be pure entertainment, he is always profusely thanked by guests for his invaluable advice. People are universally fascinated by what Bob calls "The Serious Side of Stealing."

The Serious Side of Stealing
Bob offers a one-hour lecture which, while very serious, includes comedy and dramatic demonstrations. He has polished this lecture in front of police departments, security professionals and, among the most demanding audiences of all, the sophisticated passengers on around-the-world cruises.