Every act is carefully planned. The selection of spots, securing of the property, making a get-away, disposing of the stolen property and fixing cases in which he may be arrested are all carefully planned. The professional thief has technical skills and methods which are different from those of other professional criminals. [...] The most important thing is the ability to manipulate people. The professional thief depends on his approach, front, wits, and in many instances his talking ability. The professional burglar, on the other hand, uses violence or threat of violence even through he may on occasion use soothing language in order to quiet people. The professional thief is generally migratory and may work in all cities. He generally uses a particular city as headquarters.

Conwell, Chic: The Professional Thief (1956)

  • Uploaded by
    Tomasini, Sara
  • Uploaded on
    200310