The story of Mary Young, a.k.a Jenny Diver.  She was one of England's most successful pick-pockets, and notoriously popular. She was finally hanged for "Highway Robbery", a trumped up charge, as normal petty larceny was not a capitol offense. But it was the only charge she could be hung for.  When she was sentenced the news spread "like fire" through the streets.  At least, thats what I read. I apologize for any cliches.