Collocations for thief - noun

would-be
The alarm is usually sufficient to deter a would-be thief.

common, petty | professional | casual, opportunist | sneak | car, jewel, etc.

gang

catch

take sth, snatch sth, steal sth
A thief snatched her handbag containing her wages.

escape with sth, get away with sth, make off with sth | break in | strike
The thief struck while the family were out.