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, 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 ceremonial counties of England, counties of Buckinghamshire, Essex and He ...
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.
See also
*
Flash rob
References
Robbery
{{Crime-stub