The Thieves' Code
- Forsake his relatives--mother, father, brothers, sisters...
- Not have a family of his own -- no wife, no children; this does not however, preclude him from having a lover.
- Never, under any circumstances work, no mafter how much difficulty this brings-, live only on means gleaned from thievery.
- Help other thieves -- both by moral and material support, utilizing the commune of thieves.
- Keep secret information about the whereabouts of accomplices (i.e. dens, districts, hideouts, safe apartments, etc.).
- In unavoidable situations (if a thief is under investigation) to take the blame for someone else's crime; this buys the other person time of freedom.
- Demand a convocation of inquiry for the purpose of resolving disputes in the event of a conflict between oneself and other thieves, or between thieves.
- If necessary, participate in such inquiries.
- Carry out the punishment of the offending thief as decided by the convocation.
- Not resist carrying out the decision of punishing the offending thief who is found guilty, with punishment determined by the convocation.
- Have good command of the thieves'jargon ("Fehnay").
- Not gamble without being abie to cover losses.
- Teach the trade to young beginners.
- Have, if possible, informants from the rank and file of thieves.
- Not lose your reasoning ability when using alcohol.
- Have nothing to do with the authorities (particularly with the ITU [Correctional Labor Authority]), not participate in public activities, nor join any community organizations.
- Not take weapons from the hands of authorities; not serve in the military.
- Make good on promises given to other thieves.