The Borrowers

‘Professional thieves operate in this area’; always a sign that's puzzled me. What? Are there hobbyists around? People removing property on a strictly amateur basis? So long as they're not charging money for it, that’s ok? And how professional do you have to be before you become liable for tax? Surely we could prosecute solely on the strength of their VAT returns? Basically, I have a lot of questions. And operate is such a technical term; surgeons operate, the military operates, thieves? They pinch stuff. Nick, fleece, plunder, grab, swipe, none of these words implies any care, so lets not give these opportunists the glory of precision. It may be a fair point when it comes to the pickpockets, I’ve always had a grudging respect for the artful dodgers; if I, as a magician, didn't feel it go, well fair enough, they probably earnt it.