Who were "Thief Catchers" and when were they popular?

"Thief Catchers" refers to individuals who were specifically hired to capture or apprehend criminals, particularly thieves, during a time when formal police forces were either non-existent or in their infancy. This practice became notably popular in the late 17th century and continued into the 18th century in London. The role of Thief Catchers was significant because law enforcement at that time relied heavily on private citizens and local communities to encapsulate and deliver justice, especially in response to rising crime rates.

The term implies a more informal system of crime control, where these catchers operated independently and were often motivated by payment for their services, sometimes from victims or community members rather than a structured police department. They performed essential functions, such as gathering evidence against thieves and detaining them until authorities could take over.

This option captures the essence of who Thief Catchers were and their relevance during a period when policing was evolving, highlighting their importance in maintaining public order before the establishment of professional police forces.