Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(UK Und.) to place in handcuffs.

1865		Leaves from Diary of Celebrated Burglar 29/1: Joe expected that after ‘ruffling’ him they would march him to the station house.
1867		Nat. Police Gaz. (NY) 14 Sept. n.p.: King was again ‘ruffled behind’ but twisted the ‘darbies’ to pieces as if they were made of straw.