pickpocket
The word 'carterista' in Spanish translates to 'pickpocket' in English. It refers to a person who steals money, wallets, and other valuables (often without notice) from people's pockets or purses, especially in a crowd.
The pickpocket was caught in the act by a cop.
This sentence is expressing a scenario where a person who steals from others' pockets or bags, referred to as a 'carterista' in Spanish, is caught while committing the crime. 'En el acto' is a Spanish expression that translates to 'in the act', denoting that the person was caught while doing something, usually something illicit.
Check your pockets, there might be a pickpocket on the bus.
In this sentence, the speaker is expressing concern about the possibility of a 'carterista' or pickpocket being present on the bus and advising the listener to check their pockets. This shows the use of 'carterista' in a precautionary context.
My grandfather used to be a pickpocket when he was young.
This sentence involves a person reminiscing about their grandparent's past, implying a historical or familial context. 'Carterista' is used here to denote an occupation or habit that the speaker's grandfather had in his youth.