The 19th Street Gang, made up mostly of young pickpockets, muggers, and sneak thieves, was led by a young man known as Little Mike.

Together with two young pickpockets, the group sets out in an adventure of espionage, double crossing, and explosive action.

Ikey recalled how the young pickpocket had moved close, begging for the half sovereign he withheld from him.

Dodger leads Oliver to his home, a hideout for a group of young pickpockets run by the criminal Fagin.

The only actual violence was the manhandling of a young pickpocket whose skills had failed him.

Three years ago a Sao Paulo solicitor was applauded as he kicked a young would-be pickpocket to death.

'And if this deserter had been sent to spin cobwebs for our benefit, why would he waste time and effort entertaining a young pickpocket?'

Another was Smith (1967), with the eponymous hero a young pickpocket accepted into a wealthy household; it won the Phoenix Award in 1987.

Before Dan could decide what to do about the young pickpocket, a trio of lanky teenagers raced past, dodging through the crowd.

His best-known novel in this vein was "Smith" (1967), about a young pickpocket in 18th-century London.