Crossword Genius

Thief’s a charmer, but less of a dazzler? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dipswitch

'less of a dazzler?' is the definition.
(a dipswitch dims headlights - things which dazzle)

'thief's a charmer' is the wordplay.
'thief's' becomes 'dips' (dip is a kind of thief).
'a charmer' becomes 'witch' (someone who charms).
'dips'+'witch'='DIPSWITCH'

'but' acts as a link.

(Another definition for dipswitch that I've seen is " dimmer".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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