In UK slang, steaming is a robbery performed on train or bus passengers by a gang or large group and often involving some level of violence. It is often used interchangeably with

mugging Mugging or mugger may refer to: * Mugger, a footpad * Mugger crocodile, a species native to India, Nepal, and Pakistan * ''Muggers'' (film), a 2000 Australian movie directed by Dean Murphy * Mugging, a slang term for overacting * Mugging, a typ ...

, referring to a specific subcategory of that crime. Several cases have been reported on the

London Underground The London Underground (also known simply as the Underground or by its nickname the Tube) is a rapid transit system serving Greater London and some parts of the adjacent counties of Buckinghamshire, Essex and Hertfordshire in England. The U ...

and other city public transport systems although not exclusively localised to them. It may also be applied to other theft such as shoplifting, involving a large group employing distraction tactics, intimidation or actual violence against staff.Bennetto, Jas
"'Steamers' leap counters to rob London banks"
The Independent, 4 February 1996 In general, the term refers to the operation in a large group and the use of intimidation and violence to commit theft.

References

Robbery {{Crime-stub

See also

References