hugh prowler, n. — Green’s Dictionary of Slang

hugh prowler n.

[generic use of proper name Hugh + SE prowler]

a generic nickname for a small-time thief.

1573		T. Tusser Five Hundred Pointes of Good Husbandrie (1878) 80: For feare of Hew prowler, get home with the rest, / When frost is at hardest, then carriage best.
1841		Staffs. Gaz. 14 Jan. 4/6: For fear of Hugh Prowler, get home with the rest.