Collocations for thief - noun

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

common, petty
professional
master
opportunist, sneak (both BrE)
convicted, suspected
car, identity, jewel, etc.

gang

catch

snatch sth (esp. BrE), steal sth, take sth
A thief snatched her handbag containing her wages.

escape with sth (esp. BrE), get away with sth, make off with sth
break in, break into sth
strike (esp. BrE)
The thief struck while the family were out.