noun
Refers to a thief who steals small items stealthily, often in crowded places or from homes without being noticed. The prefix 小 (こ) emphasizes the petty or sneaky nature.
電車の中でこぬすびとに財布をすられた。
I had my wallet stolen by a sneak thief on the train.
こぬすびとは、気づかれないように小さな物を盗む。
A sneak thief steals small items without being noticed.
空き巣 is a burglar who targets unoccupied houses, whereas 小盗人 may operate in crowded places or occupied homes without detection.
Compound of 小 (こ, 'small, petty') and 盗人 (ぬすびと, 'thief'). The reading ぬすびと is a native Japanese word for thief, and the prefix こ adds the nuance of sneakiness or pettiness.