robbers

Robbers are individuals who commit robbery, a crime that involves taking property from another person through force, intimidation, or the threat of violence. Robbery differs from theft, which is the unlawful taking of property without force or threat, and from burglary, which involves unauthorized entry with the intent to commit a crime.

Robbery takes many forms. Street robberies target pedestrians or motorists; home-invasion robberies occur when intruders enter residences; bank and armored-car robberies involve financial institutions or transport of valuables; vehicle hijackings involve forcing someone to surrender a vehicle. Robberies can be armed, using firearms or other weapons, or unarmed.

Common methods include intimidation and threats, sometimes combined with surprise, distraction, or the exploitation of security gaps. Robberies are often opportunistic but can be planned in advance. The impact extends to victims, witnesses, businesses, and communities, with fear, physical harm, or financial loss.

In most countries, robbery is classified as a serious crime or felony. Aggravated robbery involves weapons or causing injury, leading to harsher penalties. Sentences vary by jurisdiction and prior record. Prosecution may rely on eyewitness testimony, forensics, surveillance footage, and other evidence. Prevention and response include policing strategies, surveillance systems, secure premises, and community safety measures.

Notable historical robberies include the Great Train Robbery in Britain (1963), a highly publicized planned heist that influenced public debate about security and criminal penalties. Robberies remain a persistent concern for law enforcement, businesses, and communities, driving ongoing efforts to reduce opportunities and protect potential targets.