area sneak

noun2

1. •
   (no longer used, historical) A thief who steals in this way.

   • Old men, young men, and boys, stalwart burglars and highway robbers, slept side by side with wizened pickpockets or cunning-featured area-sneaks. — 1874
2. •
   (no longer used, rare) The practice of breaking into the lower floors of a house via its area to commit theft.