John Poulter (died 25 February 1754) was a highwayman who conducted numerous robberies across England in a five-year period. This crime spree ended in Exeter in 1753, when he was arrested for the robbery of a man on the outskirts of Bath, for which he was hanged the following year.[1]
He wrote a detailed account of his crimes, naming numerous accomplices who were consequently arrested. The book also provided advice to the public on the methods of thieves. It was hugely popular, with seventeen editions being printed.[1]