Robbery

The Definition of “Robbery”

Robbery is when someone steals or takes anything of value from you — against your will and with the intent of permanently depriving you of your property — by using force, intimidation or threat.
Robbery classifications result from the means employed, such as an armed robbery, or the place of offense, such as a bank robbery.
Burglary is often confused with robbery. A burglary is a separate criminal offense and occurs when someone uses force to enter a home or business, with the intent of stealing your property or committing some other felony — the burglary occurs at the moment of the breaking and entering.

Be aware of your surroundings. Walk with a purpose, head up and looking around. Stay in well-lit areas at night.
Stay with the crowd — there is safety in numbers.
If you carry a purse, consider carrying your wallet, phone or other valuables separately in your pocket instead.
Carry your purse close to your body.
Don’t leave a purse on a counter or in a shopping cart unattended.
Don’t carry large sums of money or credit cards on you, whenever possible.
Vary your routine — don’t do the same thing at exactly the same time every day.
Be aware of people around you when you’re using an ATM. When possible, use an ATM located inside a business, such as a grocery store.
Have your pay, Social Security or retirement checks directly deposited into your bank account.
When you go to the bank or an ATM, don’t flash your cash.
Carry a whistle or other noise-making device and use it to call attention to yourself if threatened or in danger.

Don’t resist. The suspect wants your valuables, not you. Things can always be replaced, but you can’t.
Listen closely to what the suspect says and try to remember the exact words spoken by the suspect, as it may help with the police investigation.
Be alert. Notice what’s happening.
Look for distinguishing characteristics such as scars, marks, tattoos, limps, accents, etc.
Take careful note of a weapon, as you’ll have to describe it later to the police. If the suspect indicates or implies they have a weapon, assume it is true.
Compare the suspect to your own height and weight to estimate their size.
If you’re robbed or see someone else being robbed, report it to the police immediately.

Notify the police immediately and be prepared to tell them:
- The address and if it occurred within a building, the exact location within the structure
- As complete a description as possible of the suspect(s)
- Whether or not a weapon was implied or used and if you saw the weapon, a good description of what type — a gun (revolver or semi-automatic), knives, etc.
- A description of any vehicle used and the number of people in the vehicle
- The vehicle’s travel direction
- Any words spoken by the suspect(s)
While waiting for the police to arrive:
- Lock the doors and don’t touch anything. Keep everyone away from the area and guard anything that may have been touched by the robber(s).
- Save anything left behind by the robber(s) such as a note, weapon, bag or clothing, and don’t handle any of these items.
- Don’t discuss the crime with other witnesses. All those involved should make individual notes of the information they have while it’s fresh in their minds.