I think it's realistic. After all, if a pick pocket came up behind me and got to the keys at the bottom of my bag... from under my coffee cup, and my book, and my jacket... I'd be very impressed! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/delight.gif" alt="" />
But then this ins't real life. It's a game, and we buy the Pick Pocket skill so we can get said keys.