sneak thief

a burglar who sneaks into houses through open doors, windows, etc.

Origin of sneak thief

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

sncc, sncf, snead, sneak, sneak preview, sneak thief, sneaker, sneakerhead, sneakernet, sneakers, sneaking

She looked back at him, pointed at a policeman standing off among the trees, and imitated the walk of a sneak-thief.

A Yankee from the West |Opie Read
A sneak-thief was looked upon with contempt, and considered the very essence of abomination.

If Any Man Sin |H. A. Cody
Rod did not mean to lie quietly there and allow this sneak-thief time to rummage around.

The Big Five Motorcycle Boys on the Battle Line |Ralph Marlow
Since those earlier days he had been train-gambler, confidence-man, and sneak-thief.

Geoffrey Hampstead |Thomas Stinson Jarvis

When Cupid came to her what bill of health could he produce to prove that he was not a sneak-thief in disguise?

Destiny |Charles Neville Buck

sneak thief

a person who steals paltry articles from premises, which he enters through open doors, windows, etc