Answer:

crooks

Answer	Crossword Clue
CROOKS	Thieves
CROOKS	Con men, e.g.
CROOKS	Richard ..., of the Met.

CROOKS	Pals of second story men.
CROOKS	Bends.
CROOKS	Con men and shills
CROOKS	Swindlers
CROOKS	Crosiers
CROOKS	Stingers?
CROOKS	Sheep herders
CROOKS	Embezzlers, burglars, etc.

Crossword

a puzzle consisting of a grid of squares and blanks into which words crossing vertically and horizontally are written according to clues.