Pickpocketing
In Assassin's Creed, pickpocketing is an important method of gaining information. It is also the only way to restock Throwing Knives, apart from going to Masyaf and/or going to an Assassin's Bureau.
How to Pickpocket
To pickpocket, the player must press the Lock On button. Depending on control settings, the Lock On button will be either L1 (Playstation 3), Left Trigger (Xbox 360), or F (PC default layout). While targeting the victim, move Altaïr a few paces behind them and hold the Free Hand button, which will be either 
(Playstation 3), B (Xbox 360, or Shift (PC default layout). Once Altaïr is close enough, as long as you are not detected by the victim or a Guard, you will steal from the victim's bag, a successful pickpocket.
Who to Pickpocket
unaware civillians
When not to Pickpocket
There are various scenarios in which a pickpocket may fail, leading to a fight:
- The victim stops.
- The victim is facing you.
- The victim is looking behind himself.
- You are too close to the victim and he tells you to be gone.
- A guard is very close.
If you do try any of the above, the victim may notice you and engage you in a fistfight. If this happens, fight and kill your attacker or run.
Achievement
On the Xbox 360 version you can get an achievement by pickpocketing 200 knives:
| Icon | Name | Description | Points | Secret? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
The Hands of a Thief | Pickpocket 200 throwing knives. | 15 | No |
Update In AC2
In Assassin's Creed 2 Ezio has the ability to steal from any non-friendly NPC (this includes normal civilians, guards, etc.), taking money as opposed to throwing knives. To do this he must use fast walk to move through the crowd, and then Ezio uses his empty hand to steal. However, if Ezio lingers too long in the area he will be recognized and attacked, so it is important to move quickly after stealing. Stealing can award the player with anywhere from 3 to 50 florins at a time.
In addition Ezio can search unconscious or dead enemies for money. Although this takes longer and leaves the player open to attack. It is possible to get over 100 florins with this method, as well as items such as throwing knives, medicine vials and poison.
However Pickpocketing quickly becomes useless as the player progresses due to the fact the small amount made isn't enough compared to the prices of items that can be bought.
In AC1 you will have your hand out reaching for the pickpocket, leaving you more noticeable. In AC2 this is removed and you can now pickpocket quickly, but people may alert guards around you.