The gang were notorious "butcher cart thieves" during the 1850s and their hijacking methods would later be used by criminals of the early twentieth century.
The gang's particular method, similar to other butcher mobs of the period, after approaching the store with a wagon about a dozen gang members would charge into a butcher shop stealing a whole carcass and fleeing in the wagon.
The gang's theft usually met with indifference as rival competitors such as the Potashes were quick to take advantage by offering meat at discount prices.
By the 1860s, the Boodlers had perfected their techniques and had begun robbing messengers and couriers in the financial district.
The gang's activities became very lucrative, particularly in January 1866 when two members robbed a courier carrying $14,000 and escaping by jumping onto a wagon losing their pursuers by clogging traffic in Beekman Street with three other carts.