The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word SHOPLIFTER
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
H
O
P
L
I
F
T
E
R
More clues leading to the result SHOPLIFTER
- One with an outlet for their criminal aspirations?
- Criminal presumably able to hold up store
- One taking stock hopes flirt will change
- Fresh plot twist involving a thief
- Thief, one’s partner, say, taking lead from hellraiser
- Thief who must be very strong?
- Thief pilfers hot pants
- Robber that holds up store?
- Criminal type who might hold up a store
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "thief" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case thief = shoplifter.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SHOPLIFTER mean?
SHOPLIFTER noun- A person who shoplifts, one who steals from shops.