Elements of Robbery and Investigation Challenges

What are the three essential elements necessary to constitute a robbery?

What is a major problem encountered in robbery investigations?

What is the primary objective of a robbery investigation?

What is the major objective of a preliminary investigation in a robbery?

What is the focus of a robbery investigation?

What is one of the primary objectives of a criminal investigation?

What is typically relied upon to determine the possibility of physical evidence in a robbery case?

Why are robbery victims often unreliable or ineffective witnesses?

What is often used to identify a robbery suspect when there is no physical evidence?

What type of robbery is often characterized by a weapon being displayed or indicated?

What is often a characteristic of an unarmed robbery suspect who uses a note or threat?

What is the typical target of a commercial robbery?

What type of robbery often involves a minimum of planning and some casing?

What is often a characteristic of a street robbery?

What type of robbery is often characterized by a professional criminal with escape plans ready?

What is often a characteristic of a planned operation robbery?

A robbery requires three essential elements: taking of personal property from a person or presence, against the possessor's will, and by force or fear.

High-risk factor for both victims and police officers.
Little or no physical evidence at the robbery scene, relying on witness statements.
Robbery victims are often unreliable or ineffective witnesses due to emotional stress and short time span of the robbery.

There are two basic methods: armed and unarmed robberies.
Armed robbery: weapon is displayed or indicated, with a professional or aggressive behavior.
Unarmed robbery: no weapon is displayed, with a desperate or spontaneous behavior.

Ambush: little or no planning, random victim selection, low score, and usually committed by unskilled or semi-skilled robbers.
Selective Raid: involves some planning, moderate score, and usually committed by semi-skilled robbers.
Planned Operation: involves extensive planning, high score, and usually committed by professional robbers.

Residence: planned residential robbery, often involving a group and a ruse to gain entry.
Vehicle: taxi cab driver, bus, or other vehicle robbery, often involving secluded areas and few passengers.
Commercial: usually involves a weapon, commonly a handgun, and targets convenience stores, grocery stores, liquor stores, and gas stations.
Street: usually involves at least two assailants, targeting women, elderly, and intoxicated persons, often at night in secluded areas.
Bank: formerly involving professional criminals, now amateurs and militant groups, often involving a weapon or note to teller demanding money.