ABSTRACT
Robbery has strong psychological and social implications within the community. Robbery involves either violence or the threat of violence, and the theft of property. It confronts the victim with a high probability of physical injury, emotional trauma, and frequently a feeling of helplessness. There have been several important studies about offenders and specific types of robberies that can aid the well-versed investigator in developing an investigative plan. Research concerning robbery indicates that most street robberies are not well-planned, and the choice of victim is based on both circumstances as well as the perceived vulnerability of the victim. More sophisticated or professional robberies generally display varying degrees of preparation. All of these factors should be a part of the robbery investigator’s store of knowledge. Robbery investigations employ all the elements involved in criminal investigation: people (victims and witnesses), method (modus operandi), physical evidence, crime analysis, and records. It is a confrontational crime, thereby placing the victim in position to be an eyewitness.
