Pickpocketing isn't really an issue in US cities like it is in Europe. I've heard of it happening a tiny bit in extremely busy tourist areas like Times Square in NYC, but it's not something you need to be vigilant about in everyday life.
Ha, yeah, I would agree with you there. I was trying to make sure to acknowledge a potential downside of increased foot traffic. Tend to think folks like to rebut comments when they're too one-sided, but then you came along with a totally legit rebuttal to me trying to "both sides" this!
Could become more of an issue as foot traffic increases if these changes are implemented