I'm almost certain the thief asks someone to watch her bag within earshot of her victim as a subconscious way to let her victim know that she too (the thief) be

I'm almost certain the thief asks someone to watch her bag within earshot of her victim as a subconscious way to let her victim know that she too (the thief) believes that random strangers can be trusted. I feel sorry for the victim but I found that bit an oddly impressive piece of mind control.