second-story man
Climbs, then steals
A second-story man is a burglar who enters buildings through upper-floor windows, typically by climbing.
The term evokes a particular skill set—agility, stealth, and comfort with heights: The police suspected a second-story man because there was no sign of forced entry at ground level.
The phrase is somewhat dated, carrying a noir or pulp-fiction flavor.
Thief who climbs buildings
- housebreakerOne who breaks in
- break-inUnlawful entry to premises
- burglarizeUnlawfully enter to steal
- trespasserUnlawful entrant on property
intruder · larceny · robbery · thief · felon · criminal · lockpick · safe-cracker
Climbing or resizing
- ladderPortable climbing frame
- ropeThick twisted fibers
- grappling hookHooked climbing anchor
- windowGlass-fitted wall opening
balcony · ledge · drainpipe · trellis · rooftop · fire escape · heights · clamber
Prank or pickled bud
- planningArranging for future events
- lootStolen valuables
- scoreNumerical standing in competition
- getawaySwift departure or retreat
inside job · fence · crew · mastermind · blueprints · target · valuables · jewelry
cat burglar
Thief who climbs buildings
- housebreakerOne who breaks in
- break-inUnlawful entry to premises
- burglarizeUnlawfully enter to steal
trespasser · intruder · larceny · robbery · thief · felon · criminal · lockpick · safe-cracker · pilferer
scaling
Climbing or resizing
- ladderPortable climbing frame
- ropeThick twisted fibers
- grappling hookHooked climbing anchor
window · balcony · ledge · drainpipe · trellis · rooftop · fire escape · heights · clamber · hoist
caper
Prank or pickled bud
getaway · inside job · fence · crew · mastermind · blueprints · target · valuables · jewelry · cash
sneak
Move with stealth
furtive · covert · evasive · slippery · sly · infiltrate · undetected · silent · creep · prowl
- roguesrogue, rogues, scoundrel, scoundrels, rascal
- thievesthief, robber, burglar, pickpocket, shoplifter
- burglarsburglar, cat burglar, housebreaker, cracksman, sneak thief
second-story manporch pirate
One who steals deliveries
cybercriminal · hacker · identity thief · embezzler · safe-cracker
second-story manhomeowner
Property title holder
property owner · tenant · resident · security guard · locksmith
second-story mansecurity guard
Hired protector of property
night watchman · homeowner · property owner · locksmith · police officer
second, story, secondly, seconds, seconded, seconding, stories, storied, manful