I caught a Venice pickpocket in the act

It happened the other week on a narrow, crowded street near the Rialto Bridge in Venice, as I was en route to catch a water bus to the airport. My backpack was slung on my shoulders, my hands full, when I felt a nudge. Turning halfway, I saw a well-dressed young woman unnaturally close behind me. A coat draped over her arm, she smiled and said, “I’m sorry, I bumped you,” in perfect English.