Chapter 13: The Investigation of Robbery

Robbery

The taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person or persons by force, threat of force, violence, and/or by putting the victim in fear.

Types of robberies

Includes street robberies, convenience store and gas station robberies, vehicle-related robberies, bank robberies, and home invasion robberies.

Most common type of robbery

Street robberies.

Least common type of robbery

Bank robberies.

Holdup alarm

An alarm used to apprehend robbers rather than prevent robberies.

Eyewitness descriptions

Typically the best evidence available in robberies.

MO of a robber

Method of operation used by robbers to link robberies together and to the same perpetrator.

Robber's disguise

Used to make identification more difficult, often reflecting the robber's experience level.

Dye packs

Packs that explode, staining cash in a robbery to help identify the robber.

Bait bills

Paper currency with recorded serial numbers to identify stolen bills.

Mugging

A robbery that occurs without the use of a weapon.

Street robberies definition

Robberies that occur outside in public places, often on streets or sidewalks.

Robbers' emotional state

Most robbers are generally angry, hostile, and desperate.

Effective interrogation approach for robbery suspects

Typically a nonemotional approach.

Reason for robbery

The primary motivation is money, often used for drugs, alcohol, gambling, and clothing.

Digital evidence in robberies

Evidence available from smartphones or other devices related to the robbery.

Tracking former robbers

Monitoring previously convicted robbers using trackers may assist in apprehending offenders.

Robbery investigation evidence

Depending on circumstances, physical evidence may not be present, while digital evidence might be available.

Composite pictures

Created based on eyewitness descriptions, but may be unnecessary if security video is available.

Robbery approaches

Can include confrontation, blitz, con, or snatch-theft.

Importance of police safety during robbery calls

A top priority in responding to robberies is ensuring the safety of officers and victims at the scene.

How does evidence presentation in burglary differ from robbery?

Evidence presentation in burglary often focuses on the physical aspects of the crime scene and property damage, while robbery emphasizes eyewitness accounts and the presence of a threat or force used against victims.

• Burglary evidence focuses on breaking and entering and intent to commit a crime once inside (e.g., fingerprints, tools used for forced entry, and signs of tampering).

• Robbery evidence focuses on victim testimony, weapon use, and force or threats involved in taking property from the victim.

What type of evidence is commonly presented in burglary cases?

• Physical evidence of forced entry (e.g., broken locks, windows, pry marks).

• DNA or fingerprints left at the crime scene.

• Surveillance footage showing the suspect entering or leaving the premises.

• Tools or equipment found at the scene or linked to the suspect.

• Footprints or tire marks near the crime scene.

What type of evidence is commonly presented in robbery cases?

• Witness testimony of the crime, including the victim’s account of the robbery.

• Physical evidence like weapons (e.g., firearms, knives) used to intimidate or force the victim.

• Surveillance footage capturing the suspect’s face, actions, or vehicle.

• Forensic evidence linking the suspect to the weapon or victim.

• Items taken during the robbery found in the suspect's possession.