Robbery Ch. 7 Notes

Defining Robbery

• Emphasis on the correct terminology between robbery and burglary:

  • Robbery: Taking something from someone by force or threat of violence.

  • Burglary: Entering a building with the intent to commit theft without the victim being aware.

• Example clarifications:

  • Street mugging (violence) vs. liquor store robbery (intimidation with a weapon) = robbery.

  • Theft without confrontation or stealth, such as a laptop taken while not home = burglary.

• Key Focus: The distinction between robbery and burglary is crucial to understand in criminal justice and law.

Current State of Robbery

• Occurrence Locations:

  • Common in urban areas, often in public spaces.

• Crime against persons vs. property:

  • Robbery is considered a crime against a person due to the potential for physical harm to victims.

  • Many homicide cases are motivated by robbery, contrary to popular belief.

Offender Characteristics

• Demographics:

  • Majority male (around 90-99%).

  • Age distribution:

  • Over 60% are young adults (25 and under).

  • A significant number are juveniles (around 25%).

• Comparison between robbers and burglars:

  • Robbers:

  • Prefer confrontation and are often predatory.

  • Willing to face victims and instill fear.

  • Burglars:

  • Prefer stealth; avoid contact with victims.

• Important Note: Robbers frequently use weapons, making robbery a violent crime.

• Victimology:

  • Average robbery victims are often young, unmarried individuals, typically of color.

Methods and Tools Used in Robbery

• Common weapons:

  • Guns are most prevalent, given America's high gun ownership.

  • Strong-arm robberies also frequent, involving physical assaults to take belongings.

• Types of weapons discussed:

  • Handguns: Concealable types like revolvers and pistols.

  • Long guns: Include rifles and shotguns used less frequently in robberies.

• Edged weapons: Commonly refers to knives or sharpened instruments.

Robbery Statistics and Consequences

• Injury Statistics:

  • 1 in 3 robbery victims sustain actual injuries.

• Gun Discharge Statistics:

  • 20% of all robberies involved gunfire, not just threats.

• Homicide linkage:

  • 10% of all murders are linked to robbery motives.

• Importance of violent crime classification: Robbers are most likely offenders to use weapons and inflict harm.

Types of Robberies

• Street robberies:

  • Most common form, often spontaneous and violent.

  • Issues with victim descriptions post-incident due to the element of shock.

• Organized follow-home robberies:

  • Criminals follow victims home to rob them.
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