Recorded Books Inc. - How to steal the Mona Lisa: and six other world-famous treasures

THE ART OF DISGUISE

These days there are cameras everywhere: on street corners, in shops and buildings, and on peoples cell phones. In fact, its nearly impossible to find a place where your face isnt being recorded. Because you always want to create distance between your true identity and the crime, youll want to master some techniques to create a disguise that you can slip into at a moments notice and one that doesnt require excessive gear or preparation.

For men: If possible, begin with short hair and a clean-shaven face. This will be more flexible and will allow you to change your look using wigs, mustaches, beards, and so on; these are all good ways to alter your appearance quickly and with less risk of someone spotting a poorly matched hairpiece.

For women: While there is no need to shave your head (assuming it isnt shaved already) its generally wise to start blond. Blond hair is much easier to dye darker and is less likely to be noticed under a wig. However, if blond hair does not match your skin tone, better to stay dark. Length is important too. Womens hair should be short enough to hide with a wig or long enough to pull back into a ponytail or tight bun. Anything in-between is going to be difficult to work with.

Wigs are a great way to change your look without a lot of work. Find a good one, not one of those plastic wigs you wear for Halloween. Find a wig shop and get fitted with several high-quality synthetic wigs with lace fronts, which will give the illusion of natural hair growth along the hairline. In addition, its critical that your hair color matches your eyebrows. Use colored brow gel thats quick to apply and washes off easily.

Clothing and accessories are excellent tools that you can use to enhance the look of your character. You want to blend in as much as possible so be sure to remove identifiable logos, designs, patterns, or markings. When the job is done you will lose the wig, cut or dye your hair, toss away spectacles, change your clotheswhatever you can do quickly and easily to change your appearance and be able to leave the scene without being recognized. During the reconnaissance phase, however, you must wear your new disguise at all times. No exceptions.

FAKE IDENTIFICATION

A good disguise on its own is simply not going to cut it. Youre going to have to develop the essence of your character in case you get stuck engaging in a conversation with an unsuspecting person mid-heist. Choose a persona that reminds you of someone you already know; this will help you in taking on various characteristics without having to think too much.