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 violence.
• Robbery classifications result from the means employed, such as an armed robbery, or the place of offense, such as a bank robbery.
• A burglary is not a robbery. A burglary is 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.

Protecting Yourself From a Robbery

• Be aware of your surroundings. Walk with a purpose, head up and looking around. Stay in lighted areas at night.
• Stay with the crowd — there is safety in numbers.
• If you carry a purse, carry your wallet in your pocket instead. If you only carry a wallet, consider carrying two of them, with one filled with cut-up paper — most robbers aren’t going to go through the wallet until they have fled to safety.
• Carry a purse close to your body, like a football player carries a football. Don’t place the strap across your body or over your shoulder — when the robber grabs your purse, you may be pulled along until the strap breaks and you become injured.
• Don’t leave a purse on a counter or in a shopping cart unattended.
• Be cautious when wearing “flashy” jewelry.
• Be conscious of people just “hanging around” anywhere, especially near public restrooms, building entrances and garages.
• Notify the police of strangers who are hanging around your home, apartment or job for no apparent reason.
• 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 your ATM card. 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, don’t flash your cash.
• Lock your car doors when your vehicle is unattended, even if you’ll only be out of it for a “minute.” This action may prevent a robber from hiding in your back seat, awaiting your return.
• While driving, keep your vehicle doors locked.
• If you’re walking and a vehicle is following you, reverse directions or cross the street.
• If someone acts suspiciously, looks at you closely or follows you, head for bright lights and people and call the police.
• Carry a whistle or other noise-making device. Use it to call attention to yourself if threatened.

What to Do if You’re a Robbery Victim

• Don’t panic. Get a grip on yourself and stay calm — take some deep breaths.
• Don’t resist. The robber wants your valuables, not you. “Things” can always be replaced, but you can’t.
• Obey the robber’s instructions. Listen closely to what the robber says and don’t argue. Try to remember the exact words spoken by the robber, 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 robber indicates there’s a weapon in his or her pocket, assume it’s a loaded gun.
• Compare the robber to your own height and weight to estimate the size of your attacker.
• Cooperate with the police. If you’re robbed or see someone else being robbed, report it to the police immediately.

What to Do After a Robbery

• Notify the police immediately and be prepared to tell them:
  • The address, with an exact location in the building
  • As complete a description as possible of the robber(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, crowbars, 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 robber(s)
  • Lock the doors and don’t touch anything. Keep everyone away from the hold-up 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.
• While waiting for the police to arrive:
  • Lock the doors and don’t touch anything. Keep everyone away from the hold-up 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.