Robbery

Robbery is the act of taking property from another person or from that person’s immediate presence, through the use or threat of force, violence, or intimidation, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property. It involves direct confrontation between the offender and the victim. Robbery is distinct from theft, which generally involves taking property without the victim’s immediate presence or use of force, and from burglary, which centers on unlawful entry with the intent to commit a crime, typically theft, rather than an attack on a person.

Types of robbery commonly include armed robbery, where a weapon is displayed or used; and strong-arm robbery, which relies on physical force or intimidation without a weapon. Robbery can occur in a variety of settings, such as streets, shops, banks, or transit facilities, and may involve single offenders or groups.

Legal elements and variation: the core elements typically include unlawful taking of property from a person or in that person’s presence, with intent to deprive the owner permanently, and the use or threat of force or fear during the act. Jurisdictional definitions vary, and courts may add enhancements for weapon use, injury, or repeated offenses.

Investigation and penalties: robbery investigations rely on witnesses, surveillance footage, fingerprints, DNA analysis, and forensic evidence. Penalties are generally severe, reflecting the violent nature of the crime, and can be heightened by factors such as the weapon used, injuries caused, or the offender’s prior record. Legal outcomes differ by country and region.

Impact and prevention: robberies can cause physical harm and psychological trauma, along with financial loss. Prevention measures include situational awareness, improved lighting and surveillance, secure premises, and rapid reporting and response protocols.