Green’s Dictionary of Slang

1. stealing.

1861

(con. 1840s–50s) H. Mayhew London Labour and London Poor I 363/1: Many modes of thieving as well as begging are termed ‘lurking’.

2. fraudulent begging, following the occupation of a fraudulent beggar.

1882		Manchester Courier 28 Jan. 10/5: Martin’s services were in constant requisition as a writer of ‘stiffs,’ ‘kitesm’ or ‘lurking papers,’ as begging letters are variously termed.
1984		Partridge DSUE (8th edn) 708/1: from ca. 1850.