Thief Taker General

A Thief Taker General was an official in 18th-century England responsible for investigating and capturing criminals, especially thieves, in exchange for rewards or fees. Unlike police, they operated more independently and often used their own methods, sometimes bending rules. Their role combined detective work and private enterprise, making them a precursor to modern detectives. They played a key part in crime enforcement before the establishment of formal police forces, and their effectiveness varied depending on their resources, reputation, and connections.