Blackwell Reference Online

Extract

Robbery is the use or threat of force to take another's property and ranks among the most serious crime problems in the US. Robbery is one of the four crimes of violence (murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault) and is the second most prevalent of the four. Robbery is also a central component of the fear of crime, magnifying its impact particularly for women, the elderly, and suburban residents. As Conklin (1972 : 4) has observed: “Although the public certainly fears murder and rape, it is probably fear of robbery … which keeps people off the street, makes them avoid strangers, and leads them to lock their doors.” Data reported to the police indicate that victims and offenders in most robberies are strangers. Robbery is a crime committed disproportionately by drug users, is more likely than other violent offenses to involve black offenders, and seldom nets large sums of money. Robbery rates are highest in urban areas. Many inner-city neighborhoods experience high rates of robbery. Robbery poses a serious risk of injury or death. One in three robbery victims sustains at least minor injuries during the offense ( Reaves 1993 ), and more than 10 percent of all homicides occur in the context of a robbery ( Cook 1991 ). The findings from interviews with armed robbers underscore the versatility of offending patterns among robbers, their high levels of victimization, and the role ... log in or subscribe to read full text