Sentence:  It is , I am reliably given to understand , the technical argot for those who engage in your particular branch of the boost ; i.e. , burglars who <WSD>rob</WSD> while the tenants are absent , in contrast to hot slough prowlers , those who work while the occupants are home . 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  take something away by force or without the consent of the owner