Robbery is a violent and high-stakes theft crime that elevates ordinary theft to a much more serious level because it involves the use of force or fear to obtain property. Robbery is classified as a first-degree felony and can carry prison sentences of up to life.
In the majority of cases, robbery occurs when a person (or group of people) takes something directly from the care, custody or control of another person or business. The items taken can be anything of value including cash, drugs and even food or drinks. The types of businesses that are most often robbed include supermarkets, drugstores, jewelry stores and liquor stores. In many cases a robbery is carried out by one armed offender while in other instances several armed individuals attack the same location at the same time.
Offender interviews reveal that robbers attempt to compel victims to cooperate through the creation of a convincing illusion of impending danger. They often employ a combination of tough talk, fierce demeanor and the display of a weapon to scare potential victims into unquestioning compliance.
A robbery conviction is often accompanied by a lengthy jail sentence and a criminal record that can have lasting impacts on employment and housing opportunities. In addition, victims of robbery may be ordered to pay restitution to cover out-of-pocket expenses such as medical bills and lost wages. For these reasons, a comprehensive intervention should focus on modifying multiple sides of the street robbery triangle: offender, victim and location.