Were the highwaymen villains or goodies?

Highwaymen were often seen as villains due to their criminal activities, which included robbing travelers and causing fear on the roads. However, some narratives romanticize them as "gentlemen thieves" who acted with a code of honor, robbing the wealthy to share with the less fortunate. Ultimately, their characterization varies depending on the perspective and context, with some viewing them as outlaws and others as antiheroes.