# Robbery

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Taking something belonging to another by force

For other uses, see [Robbery (disambiguation)](/source/Robbery_(disambiguation)).

Several terms  redirect here. For other uses, see [Robber (disambiguation)](/source/Robber_(disambiguation)), [Holdup (disambiguation)](/source/Holdup_(disambiguation)), and [Stick up (disambiguation)](/source/Stick_up_(disambiguation)).

The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with common law countries, particularly Canada, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as Norway and Spain and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. You may improve this article, discuss the issue on the talk page, or create a new article, as appropriate. (August 2022) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Criminal law Elements Actus reus Mens rea Causation Concurrence Scope of criminal liability Accessory Accomplice Complicity Corporate Mandated reporter Principal Use of force continuum Vicarious Severity of offense Felony (or Indictable offense) Misdemeanor (or Summary offense) Infraction (also called violation) Inchoate offenses Attempt Conspiracy Incitement Solicitation Offense against the person Assassination Assault Attempted murder Battery Child abuse Concealment of a corpse Criminal negligence Domestic violence False imprisonment Frameup Harassment Street Home invasion Hate crime Human trafficking Impersonation Intimidation Kidnapping Manslaughter (corporate) Mayhem Murder felony Mutilation Homicide Negligent homicide Reckless homicide Robbery Stalking Stabbing Torture Sexual offenses Adultery Bigamy Child sexual abuse Cybersex trafficking Fornication Homosexuality Groping Incest Indecent exposure Masturbation Obscenity Prostitution Rape Pederasty Sex trafficking Sexual assault Sexual harassment Sexual slavery Voyeurism Crimes against property Arson Arms trafficking Bank robbery Blackmail Bribery Burglary Cybercrime Embezzlement Extortion False pretenses Forgery Fraud Gambling Intellectual property theft Intellectual property violation Larceny Looting Payola Pickpocketing Possessing stolen property Robbery Shoplifting Smuggling Parallel import Tax evasion Theft Trespass to land Uttering Vandalism Mischief Crimes against justice Against public justice Compounding Contempt Error of impunity Judicial misconduct Justice delayed Malfeasance in office Miscarriage of justice Misprision Perjury Perverting the course of justice Sentencing disparity Crimes against the public Apostasy Corruption Political Kickback Censorship violation Dueling Genocide Ethnic cleansing Hostage-taking People smuggling Insider trading Smuggling Illegal consumption (such as drugs, alcohol, and smoking) Miscegenation Piracy Regicide Unreported employment Usurpation War crimes Crimes against animals Cruelty to animals Poaching Wildlife smuggling Bestiality Crimes against the state Lèse-majesté Treason Espionage Secession Sedition Subversion Defenses to liability Actual innocence Amnesty Automatism Consent Defense of property Diminished responsibility Duress Entrapment Ignorantia juris non excusat Infancy Insanity Intoxication Justification Might makes right Mistake (of law) Necessity Pardon Possession is nine-tenths of the law Provocation Sanctuary Self-defense Statute of limitations Other common-law areas Contracts Defenses Evidence Property Torts Wills, trusts and estates Portals Law v t e

**Robbery**[a] is the [crime](/source/Crime) of taking or attempting to take anything of value by [force](/source/Force_(law)), threat of force, or use of fear. According to [common law](/source/Common_law), robbery is defined as taking the property of another, with the intent to permanently deprive the person of that property, by means of force or fear; that is, it is a [larceny](/source/Larceny) or [theft](/source/Theft) accomplished by an [assault](/source/Assault).[2] Precise definitions of the offence may vary between jurisdictions. Robbery is differentiated from other forms of [theft](/source/Theft) (such as [burglary](/source/Burglary), [shoplifting](/source/Shoplifting), [pickpocketing](/source/Pickpocketing), or [car theft](/source/Car_theft)) by its inherently violent nature (a [violent crime](/source/Violent_crime)); whereas many lesser forms of theft are punished as [misdemeanors](/source/Misdemeanors), robbery is always a [felony](/source/Felony) in jurisdictions that distinguish between the two. Under English law, most forms of theft are [triable either way](/source/Triable_either_way), whereas robbery is [triable only on indictment](/source/Triable_only_on_indictment).

## Etymology

The word "rob" came via [French](/source/French_language) from [Late Latin](/source/Late_Latin) words (e.g., *deraubare*) of [Germanic](/source/Germanic_languages) origin, from [Common Germanic](/source/Common_Germanic) *raub* "theft".

## Types of robbery

Among the types of robbery are **armed robbery**, which involves the use of a [weapon](/source/Weapon), and **aggravated robbery**, when someone brings with them a deadly weapon or something that appears to be a deadly weapon. Highway robbery or [mugging](/source/Mugging) takes place outside or in a [public place](/source/Public_place) such as a sidewalk, street, or parking lot. [Carjacking](/source/Carjacking) is the act of stealing a car from a victim by force.

Criminal slang for various kinds of robbery includes "[blagging](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/blagging)" (armed robbery, usually of a bank), "[stickup](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/stickup)" (derived from the verbal command ["Stick 'em up!"](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/stick_%27em_up) to robbery targets to raise their hands in the air), and "[steaming](/source/Steaming_(crime))" (organized robbery; originally referred to robbery of trains); see [Wiktionary:robbery](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/robbery) for more.

## By country

### Canada

In Canada, the [Criminal Code](/source/Criminal_Code_(Canada)) makes robbery an [indictable offence](/source/Indictable_offence), subject to a maximum penalty of [life imprisonment](/source/Life_imprisonment_in_Canada). If the accused uses a restricted or prohibited firearm to commit robbery, there is a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for the first offence, and seven years for subsequent offences.[3]

### Ireland

Robbery is a statutory offence in [Ireland](/source/Republic_of_Ireland). It is created by section 14(1) of the [Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001](/source/Criminal_Justice_(Theft_and_Fraud_Offences)_Act_2001), which provides:

A person is guilty of robbery if he or she steals, and immediately before or at the time of doing so, and in order to do so, uses force on any person or puts or seeks to put any person in fear of being then and there subjected to force.[4]

### United Kingdom

#### England and Wales

Robbery is a statutory offence created by section 8(1) of the [Theft Act 1968](/source/Theft_Act_1968), which reads:

A person is guilty of robbery if he steals, and immediately before or at the time of doing so, and in order to do so, he uses force on any person or puts or seeks to put any person in fear of being then and there subjected to force.[5]

#### Aggravated theft

Robbery is the only offence of aggravated theft.[6]

#### Aggravated robbery

There are no offences of aggravated robbery.[6]

#### "Steals"

This requires evidence to show a [theft](/source/Theft) as set out in section 1(1) of the Theft Act 1968. In *R v Robinson*[7] the defendant threatened the victim with a knife in order to recover money which he was actually owed. His conviction for robbery was quashed on the basis that Robinson had an honest, although unreasonable, belief (under Section 2(1)(a) of the Act) in his legal right to the money. See also *R v Skivington* [1968] 1 QB 166, [1967] 2 WLR 655, 131 JP 265, 111 SJ 72, [1967] 1 All ER 483, 51 [Cr App R](/source/Cr_App_R) 167, CA.

In *R v Hale* (1978)[8] the application of force and the stealing took place in many different locations, and it was not possible to establish the timing; it was held that the appropriation necessary to prove theft was a continuing act, and the jury could correctly convict of robbery. This approach was followed in *R v Lockley* (1995)[9] when the force was applied to a shopkeeper after property had been taken. It was argued that the theft should be regarded as complete by this time, and *R v Gomez* (1993),[10] should apply; the court disagreed, preferring to follow *R v Hale*.

#### Actual or threatened force against a person

The threat or use of force must take place immediately before or at the time of the [theft](/source/Theft). Force used after the theft is complete will not turn the theft into a robbery.

The words "or immediately after" that appeared in section 23(1)(b) of the [Larceny Act 1916](/source/Larceny_Act_1916) were deliberately omitted from section 8(1).[11]

The book *[Archbold](/source/Archbold_Criminal_Pleading%2C_Evidence_and_Practice)* said that the facts in *R v Harman*,[12] which did not amount to robbery in 1620, would not amount to robbery now.[13]

It was held in *R v Dawson and James* (1978)[14] that "force" is an ordinary English word and its meaning should be left to the jury. This approach was confirmed in *R v Clouden* (1985)[15] and *Corcoran v Anderton* (1980),[16] both handbag-snatching cases. Stealing may involve a young child who is not aware that taking other persons' property is not in order.

#### Threat

The victim must be placed in apprehension or fear that force would be used immediately before or at the time of the taking of the property. A threat is not immediate if the wrongdoer threatens to use force of violence some future time.

Robbery occurs if an aggressor forcibly snatched a [mobile phone](/source/Mobile_phone) or if they used a knife to make an implied threat of violence to the holder and then took the phone. The person being threatened does not need to be the owner of the property. It is not necessary that the victim was actually frightened, but the defendant must have put or sought to put the victim or some other person in fear of immediate force.[17]

The force or threat may be directed against a third party, for example a customer in a jeweller's shop.[18] Theft accompanied by a threat to damage property does not constitute robbery, but it may disclose an offence of [blackmail](/source/Blackmail).

Dishonestly dealing with property stolen during a robbery constitutes an offence of [handling](/source/Handling_stolen_goods).

#### Mode of trial

Robbery is an [indictable-only offence](/source/Indictable-only_offence).[19]

#### Sentence

[Marauders](/source/Banditry) attacking a group of travellers, by [Jacques Courtois](/source/Jacques_Courtois)

Under current sentencing guidelines, the punishment for robbery is affected by a variety of aggravating and mitigating factors. Particularly important is how much harm was caused to the victim and how much [culpability](/source/Culpability) the offender had (e.g. carrying a weapon or leading a group effort implies high culpability). Robbery is divided into three categories which are, in increasing order of seriousness: street or less sophisticated commercial, dwelling, and professionally planned commercial.[20]

Robbery generally results in a custodial sentence. Only a low-harm, low-culpability robbery with other mitigating factors would result in an alternative punishment, in the form of a high-level [community order](/source/Community_service#Court_ordered_service).[20] The maximum legal punishment is [imprisonment for life](/source/Life_imprisonment_in_England_and_Wales).[21] It is also subject to the mandatory sentencing regime under the [Criminal Justice Act 2003](/source/Criminal_Justice_Act_2003#Dangerous_offenders). Current sentencing guidelines advise that the sentence should be no longer than 20 years, for a high-harm, high-culpability robbery with other aggravating factors.

The "starting point" sentences are:

- Low-harm, low-culpability street robbery: 1 year

- Medium-harm, medium-culpability street robbery: 4 years

- Medium-harm, medium-culpability professionally planned robbery: 5 years

- High-harm, high-culpability street robbery: 8 years

- High-harm, high-culpability professionally planned robbery: 16 years[20]

An offender may also serve a longer sentence if they are convicted of other offences alongside the robbery, such as [assault](/source/Assault) and [grievous bodily harm](/source/Grievous_bodily_harm).

#### Common law

Robbery was an offence under the [common law](/source/Common_law) of England. Matthew Hale provided the following definition:

Robbery is the [felonious](/source/Felonious) and violent taking of any money or goods from the person of another, putting him in fear, be the value thereof above or under one shilling.[22]

The [common law offence](/source/Common_law_offence) of robbery was abolished for all purposes not relating to offences committed before 1 January 1969[23] by section 32(1)(a) of the [Theft Act 1968](/source/Theft_Act_1968).

#### Statute

See sections 40 to 43 of the [Larceny Act 1861](/source/Larceny_Act_1861).

Section 23 of the [Larceny Act 1916](/source/Larceny_Act_1916) read:

23.-(1) Every person who -

- (a) being armed with any offensive weapon or instrument, or being together with one other person or more, robs, or assaults with intent to rob, any person;

- (b) robs any person and, at the time of or immediately before or immediately after such robbery, uses any personal violence to any person;

shall be guilty of felony and on conviction thereof liable to penal servitude for life, and, in addition, if a male, to be once privately whipped.

(2) Every person who robs any person shall be guilty of felony and on conviction thereof liable to penal servitude for any term not exceeding fourteen years.

(3) Every person who assaults any person with intent to rob shall be guilty of felony and on conviction thereof liable to penal servitude for any term not exceeding five years.

This section provided maximum penalties for a number of offences of robbery and aggravated robbery.[6]

#### Assault with intent to rob

If a robbery is foiled before it can be completed, an alternative offence (with the same penalty, given by section 8(2) of the 1968 Act) is assault; any act which [intentionally](/source/Intention_(criminal_law)) or [recklessly](/source/Recklessness_(law)) causes another to fear the immediate and unlawful use of force, with an intent to rob, will suffice.

The following cases are relevant:

- *R v Trusty and Howard* (1783) 1 East PC 418

- *R v Sharwin* (1785) 1 East PC 421

#### Mode of trial and sentence

Assault with intent to rob is an [indictable-only offence](/source/Indictable-only_offence).[19] It is punishable with [imprisonment for life](/source/Life_imprisonment_in_England_and_Wales) or for any shorter term.[21]

Assault with intent to rob is also subject to the mandatory sentencing regime under the [Criminal Justice Act 2003](/source/Criminal_Justice_Act_2003#Dangerous_offenders).

#### Northern Ireland

Robbery is a statutory offence in [Northern Ireland](/source/Northern_Ireland). It is created by [section 8](http://www.legislation.gov.uk/apni/1969/16/section/8) of the [Theft Act (Northern Ireland) 1969](/source/Theft_Act_(Northern_Ireland)_1969).

### United States

Main article: [Robbery laws in the United States](/source/Robbery_laws_in_the_United_States)

In the United States, robbery is generally treated as an aggravated form of common-law larceny. Specific elements and definitions differ from state to state. The common elements of robbery are a trespassory taking and carrying away of the personal property of another with the intent to steal from the person or presence of the victim by force or threat of force.[24]

The first six elements are the same as common-law larceny. It is the last two elements that aggravate the crime to common-law robbery.

**from the person or presence of the victim** – robbery requires that the property be taken directly from the person of the victim or from their presence. This is different from larceny, which simply requires that property be taken from the victim's possession, actual or constructive. Property is "on the victim's person" if the victim is actually holding the property, or the property is contained within clothing the victim is wearing or is attached to a victim's body, such as a watch or earrings.[25] Property is in a person's presence when it is within the area of their immediate control. The property has to be close enough to the victim's person that the victim could have prevented its taking if he/she had not been placed in fear or intimidation.[25]

**by force or threat of force** – the use of force or threat of force is the defining element of robbery. For there to be robbery there must be "force or fear" in perpetrating the theft.[26] Questions concerning the degree of force necessary for robbery have been the subject of much litigation. Merely snatching the property from the victim's person is not sufficient force unless the victim resists or one of the items is attached or carried in such a way that a significant amount of force must be used to free the item from the victim's person.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

For robbery the victim must be placed in "fear" of immediate harm by threat or intimidation. The threat need not be directed at the victim personally. Threats to third parties are sufficient. The threat must be one of present rather than future personal harm. Fear does not mean "fright",[25] it means apprehension – an awareness of the danger of immediate bodily harm.

#### California

The maximum sentence for robbery in California is 9 years, according to Penal Code section 213(a)(1)(A).[27]

The threat or use of force does not have to take place immediately before or at the time of the theft.[28] Force used after the theft will turn the theft into a robbery unless the theft is complete. The theft is considered completed when the perpetrator reaches a place of temporary safety with the property.[29]

## Robbery statistics

### Reported robberies

The [United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime](/source/United_Nations_Office_on_Drugs_and_Crime) notes "that when using the figures, any cross-national comparisons should be conducted with caution because of the differences that exist between the legal definitions of offences in countries, or the different methods of offence counting and recording". Also, not every crime is reported, meaning two things: (1) robbery rates appear lower than they actually are, and (2) the percentage of crime that is not reported is higher in some countries than others; for example, in one country 86% of the robberies were reported, whereas in another country only 67% of the robberies were reported. Crime also varies by certain neighborhoods or areas in each country, so a nationwide rate does not indicate the danger or safety everywhere in that country. A 1983 study by the Department of Justice estimated that the amount of robberies in the US at schools alone may reach one million a year, exceeding the National Crime Survey reported estimate.[30][31]

Country Reported annual robberies per 100,000 population[32] Year Albania 3.2 2023 Algeria 30.7 2021 Andorra 10.5 2019 Antigua and Barbuda 127.5 2023 Argentina 1010.3 2023 Armenia 7.6 2023 Australia 36.5 2022 Austria 29.3 2023 Azerbaijan 2.9 2021 Bahamas 31.2 2022 Bahrain 27.3 2008 Bangladesh 0.6 2006 Barbados 43.6 2022 Belarus 15.1 2019 Belgium 120.4 2023 Belize 45.4 2022 Benin 1.5 2017 Bermuda 78.6 2017 Bhutan 2.3 2017 Bolivia 174.2 2023 Bosnia and Herzegovina 8.4 2023 Botswana 78.2 2014 Brazil 570.3 2019 Brunei Darussalam 0.5 2006 Bulgaria 13.2 2023 Burundi 41.6 2014 Cabo Verde 432.8 2018 Cameroon 11.4 2021 Canada 60.2 2023 Chile 645.0 2023 Colombia 937.0 2022 Costa Rica 718.3 2023 Croatia 16.2 2023 Cyprus 4.6 2023 Czech Republic 13.3 2023 Denmark 22.3 2023 Dominica 65.8 2022 Dominican Republic 283.3 2023 East Timor 1.8 2017 Ecuador 432.6 2023 Egypt 2.9 2011 El Salvador 37.1 2022 England and Wales 123.3 2023 Estonia 5.6 2023 Eswatini 316.1 2004 Finland 48.7 2023 France 94.7 2023 Georgia 9.8 2019 Germany 53.1 2023 Ghana 4.2 2021 Greece 27.2 2023 Grenada 60.6 2023 Guatemala 184.9 2023 Guinea 1.6 2007 Guinea-Bissau 19.8 2016 Guyana 57.2 2023 Haiti 1.6 2018 Honduras 174.0 2023 Hong Kong 1.3 2023 Hungary 5.5 2023 Iceland 26.1 2023 India 2.8 2013 Indonesia 1.6 2022 Iraq (Central) 4.2 2021 Ireland 31.1 2023 Israel 12.0 2023 Italy 48.3 2023 Ivory Coast 2.7 2008 Jamaica 32.4 2022 Japan 1.1 2023 Jordan 3.5 2023 Kazakhstan 50.8 2017 Kenya 5.8 2018 Kosovo 9.8 2021 Kuwait 23.5 2009 Kyrgyzstan 10.3 2018 Latvia 17.1 2023 Lebanon 43.1 2015 Lesotho 64.1 2009 Liechtenstein 15.2 2023 Lithuania 11.9 2023 Luxembourg 86.2 2023 Macau 1.7 2022 Madagascar 6.8 2015 Malaysia 13.1 2023 Maldives 19.0 2017 Malta 33.0 2023 Mauritius 48.5 2021 Mexico 158.6 2023 Moldova 12.3 2023 Monaco 32.6 2015 Mongolia 11.4 2023 Montenegro 4.3 2023 Morocco 30.4 2023 Mozambique 23.5 2009 Myanmar 0.1 2023 Namibia 166.6 2021 Nepal 0.3 2016 Netherlands 33.2 2023 New Zealand 66.6 2023 Nicaragua 175.9 2019 Nigeria 1.1 2013 North Macedonia 16.1 2023 Northern Ireland 28.6 2023 Norway 25.0 2023 Oman 0.7 2017 Pakistan 32.5 2023 Palestine 9.6 2023 Panama 140.2 2022 Paraguay 83.6 2022 Peru 251.6 2022 Philippines 4.6 2023 Poland 12.0 2023 Portugal 85.9 2023 Puerto Rico 36.6 2022 Qatar 1.6 2021 Romania 16.9 2023 Russia 4.6 2019 Rwanda 25.0 2013 Saint Kitts and Nevis 81.4 2022 Saint Lucia 133.3 2023 Saudi Arabia 0.4 2019 Scotland 35.0 2023 Senegal 17.2 2015 Serbia 9.6 2023 Sierra Leone 3.1 2008 Singapore 0.3 2023 Slovakia 6.0 2023 Slovenia 13.8 2023 Solomon Islands 10.2 2008 South Africa 328.1 2017 South Korea 1.0 2021 Spain 135.1 2023 Sri Lanka 13.1 2019 St. Vincent and Grenadines 66.6 2022 Sudan 9.0 2008 Suriname 100.5 2023 Sweden 60.7 2023 Switzerland 21.8 2023 Syria 4.0 2008 São Tomé and Príncipe 0.5 2011 Tajikistan 3.7 2011 Tanzania 18.0 2015 Thailand 1.7 2023 Trinidad and Tobago 140.6 2020 Turkey 17.0 2023 Turkmenistan 2.7 2006 Uganda 17.0 2017 Ukraine 46.5 2017 United Arab Emirates 3.5 2022 United States of America 63.2 2022 Uruguay 661.5 2023 Uzbekistan 2.9 2021 Vatican City 0.0 2023 Yemen 1.7 2009 Zimbabwe 67.9 2008

### Prevalence

The below table shows the percentage of population which was victim to robbery in the previous 12 months according to [United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime](/source/United_Nations_Office_on_Drugs_and_Crime),[33] typically through [statistical surveys](/source/Statistical_survey) to avoid [under-reporting](/source/Under-reporting).[34]

Country Female Male Total Year Argentina 7.0 5.2 6.2 2016 Australia 0.2 0.3 0.2 2023 Austria 0.2 - - 2021 Bangladesh 1.2 - - 2019 Barbados - - 2.0 2009 Belarus 0.4 0.6 - 2019 Belgium 2.5 2.4 2.4 2021 Benin 1.9 1.9 - 2021 Bolivia - - 2.6 2023 Cabo Verde 1.6 3.1 2.3 2016 Canada 0.7 0.5 0.6 2019 Central African Republic 3.4 7.4 - 2018 Chad 3.0 3.7 - 2019 Chile 4.1 3.9 4.0 2023 Colombia 2.1 2.3 2.2 2022 Comoros 1.3 4.6 - 2022 Costa Rica - - 2.9 2023 Croatia - - 0.9 2010 Cuba 0.4 0.2 - 2019 Czech Republic - - 3.1 2013 DR Congo 4.3 10.7 - 2017 Denmark 0.8 0.8 0.8 2014 Dominican Republic 5.8 5.0 5.4 2022 Ecuador 12.6 15.3 13.8 2011 El Salvador 3.0 3.1 3.1 2019 England and Wales - - 0.2 2023 Estonia - - 0.7 2018 Eswatini 1.7 5.0 - 2021 Fiji 3.2 4.4 - 2021 France - - 0.5 2022 Georgia 0.6 0.4 - 2018 Germany 0.5 0.7 0.6 2020 Guatemala 15.8 62.5 - 2019 Guyana 3.8 6.4 - 2019 Honduras 3.5 5.5 - 2019 Hong Kong 2.1 2.9 2.5 2006 Indonesia 0.0 0.0 0.0 2022 Iraq 0.6 - - 2018 Iraq (Central) 1.2 2.8 2.7 2020 Ireland 1.0 2.0 1.7 2019 Israel - - 0.3 2024 Italy 0.3 0.6 0.5 2016 Jamaica 3.8 - - 2022 Kiribati 1.7 4.2 - 2018 Kyrgyzstan 1.8 - - 2018 Lesotho 4.0 7.3 - 2018 Luxembourg 0.6 0.5 0.6 2020 Madagascar 2.6 5.7 - 2018 Malawi 3.6 9.4 - 2019 Mauritius - - 15.0 2004 Mexico 4.7 6.0 5.3 2023 Mongolia 2.3 2.5 - 2018 Montenegro 0.7 1.7 - 2018 Myanmar - 0.2 - 2019 Netherlands 0.1 0.3 0.2 2023 New Zealand - - 0.5 2014 Nigeria 4.7 5.6 5.2 2023 Northern Ireland - - 0.1 2019 Pakistan 0.5 2.5 - 2019 Palestine - - 3.2 2020 Panama - - 1.7 2016 Paraguay 6.1 4.9 5.6 2019 Peru 16.5 16.4 16.5 2023 Poland - - 2.0 2023 Portugal 1.7 2.1 1.9 2022 Saint Lucia - - 0.6 2018 Samoa 0.7 3.9 - 2019 Saudi Arabia 0.1 0.9 0.9 2019 Scotland - - 0.2 2021 Serbia 1.0 - - 2019 Slovenia 0.5 0.7 0.6 2020 South Africa 0.7 0.5 0.6 2021 South Korea - - 0.1 2022 St. Vincent and Grenadines - - 6.0 2010 Suriname 2.0 3.0 - 2018 Sweden 0.4 1.6 1.0 2023 Switzerland 0.4 0.4 0.4 2021 Thailand 0.1 0.2 - 2022 Tonga 1.2 1.0 - 2019 Trinidad and Tobago 2.3 - - 2022 Tunisia 1.3 1.9 - 2023 Turkmenistan 0.0 - - 2019 Turks and Caicos Islands 1.7 1.0 - 2019 Tuvalu 1.8 2.2 - 2019 Uganda - - 1.8 2024 United States of America - - 0.2 2023 Uruguay 5.0 5.0 5.0 2011 Uzbekistan 0.0 - - 2021 Vietnam 0.8 0.6 - 2020 Zimbabwe 3.0 5.9 - 2019

## See also

- [Aircraft hijacking](/source/Aircraft_hijacking)

- [Art theft](/source/Art_theft)

- [Balaclava (clothing)](/source/Balaclava_(clothing))

- [Brigandage](/source/Brigandage)

- [Bushranger](/source/Bushranger)

- [Convenience store crime](/source/Convenience_store_crime)

- [Crime statistics](/source/Crime_statistics)

- [Dacoit](/source/Dacoit)

- [Flash mob robbery](/source/Flash_mob_robbery)

- [Gangs in the United States](/source/Gangs_in_the_United_States)

- [Hajduk](/source/Hajduk)

- [Highwayman](/source/Highwayman)

- [Home invasion](/source/Home_invasion)

- [Klepht](/source/Klepht)

- [Looting](/source/Looting)

- [Mafia](/source/Mafia)

- [Marauder (disambiguation)](/source/Marauder_(disambiguation))

- [Metal theft](/source/Metal_theft)

- [Millionaire tour](/source/Millionaire_tour)

- [Organized retail crime](/source/Organized_retail_crime)

- [Outlaw](/source/Outlaw)

- [Piracy](/source/Piracy)

- [Ram-raiding](/source/Ram-raiding)

- [Shanlin](/source/Shanlin)

- [Snapphane](/source/Snapphane)

- [Snatch theft](/source/Snatch_theft)

- [Train robbery](/source/Train_robbery)

- [Truck hijacking](/source/Truck_hijacking)

## Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** From [Old French](/source/Old_French) *rober* ("to steal, ransack, etc.") from [Proto-West Germanic](/source/Proto-West_Germanic) **rauba* ("booty")[1]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["rob (v.)"](https://www.etymonline.com/word/rob#etymonline_v_15127). *[Online Etymology Dictionary](/source/Online_Etymology_Dictionary)*. Retrieved 2024-05-16.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Carter, Floyd J. vs U.S."](https://web.archive.org/web/20060903163713/http://docket.medill.northwestern.edu/archives/000439.php) June 12, 2000. Archived from [the original](http://docket.medill.northwestern.edu/archives/000439.php) on September 3, 2006. Retrieved 2008-05-04.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** [*Criminal Code*](/source/Criminal_Code_(Canada)), [RSC 1985, c C-46, ss 343, 344.](https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-46/page-177.html#docCont) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151007033324/http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-46/page-177.html#docCont) 2015-10-07 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** [Digitised copy](https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2001/act/50/section/14/enacted/en/html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150615063223/http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2001/en/act/pub/0050/sec0014.html#sec14) 2015-06-15 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) of section 14 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. From the Office of the Attorney General.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** [Digitised copy](http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1968/60/section/8) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110820073310/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1968/60/section/8) 2011-08-20 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) of section 8 of the Theft Act 1968, from Legislation.gov.uk.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Griew,_Edward_1978._page_79_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Griew,_Edward_1978._page_79_7-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Griew,_Edward_1978._page_79_7-2) Griew, Edward. *The Theft Acts 1968 and 1978*. Sweet and Maxwell. Fifth Edition. 1986. Paragraph 3-01 at page 79.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** R v Robinson [1977] Crim LR 173, CA

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** *R v Hale* (1978) 68 Cr App R 415, [1979] Crim LR 596, [CA](/source/Court_of_Appeal_of_England_and_Wales)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Crim LR 656

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** [1993] AC 442, House of Lords

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** The [Criminal Law Revision Committee](/source/Criminal_Law_Revision_Committee). Eighth Report. Theft and Related Offences. 1966. Cmnd 2977. Paragraph 65.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** *R v Harman* (1620) 1 [Hale](/source/Historia_Placitorum_Coron%C3%A6) [534](https://books.google.com/books?id=2KoDAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA534) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160617124325/https://books.google.com/books?id=2KoDAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA534) 2016-06-17 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine), (1620) 2 Rolle 154, (1620) 81 [ER](/source/English_Reports) [721](http://www.commonlii.org/uk/cases/EngR/1676/218.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131209024028/http://www.commonlii.org/uk/cases/EngR/1676/218.pdf) 2013-12-09 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** *[Archbold Criminal Pleading, Evidence and Practice](/source/Archbold_Criminal_Pleading%2C_Evidence_and_Practice)*, 1999, para. 21-99 at p. 1772

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** *R v Dawson and James* (1978) 68 Cr App R 170, CA

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** *R v Clouden*, unreported (C.A. No. 3897, 4 February 1985). For details see Griew, Edward. *The Theft Acts 1968 and 1978*. Fifth Edition. Sweet and Maxwell. 1986. Paragraphs 3-04 and 3-05 at page 80.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** *Corcoran v Anderton* (1980) 71 Cr App R 104, [1980] Crim LR 385, [DC](/source/Divisional_Court_(England_and_Wales))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** *R v Khan* LTL (9 April 2001) and Archbold 2006 21-101.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** *Smith v Desmond* [1965] HL

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ReferenceA_20-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ReferenceA_20-1) This is the effect of section 8(2) of the [Theft Act 1968](/source/Theft_Act_1968) and paragraph 28(a) of Schedule 1 to the [Magistrates' Courts Act 1980](/source/Magistrates'_Courts_Act_1980).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-sce&w_21-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-sce&w_21-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-sce&w_21-2) ["Sentencing Council"](https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Robbery-offences-definitive-guideline-web.pdf) (PDF). Sentencing Council - Robbery: Definitive guidelines. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160802004113/http://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Robbery-offences-definitive-guideline-web.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 2016-08-02. Retrieved 2018-05-18.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-8-2_22-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-8-2_22-1) [Theft Act 1968](/source/Theft_Act_1968), section 8(2)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** 1 Hale 532

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** [Theft Act 1968](/source/Theft_Act_1968), section 35(1)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** Lafave, Criminal Law 3rd ed. (West 2000) Sec. 8.11

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Lafave_2000_26-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Lafave_2000_26-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Lafave_2000_26-2) Lafave, Criminal Law 3rd ed. (West 2000) Sec 8.11

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** Lafave, Criminal Law 3rd ed. (West 2000) Sec 8.11;Boyce & Perkins, Criminal Law, 3rd ed. (1992)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** ["CALIFORNIA PENAL CODE SECTION 211-215"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121023223508/http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=pen&group=00001-01000&file=211-215). Archived from [the original](http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=pen&group=00001-01000&file=211-215) on 2012-10-23. Retrieved 2012-09-21.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** *People v. Gomez* (2008) 43 Cal.4th 249, 254.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** *People v. Flynn* (2000) 77 Cal.App.4th 766, 772, 91 Cal.Rptr.2d 902.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** ["Robbery in the United States - an Analysis of Recent Trends and Patterns"](https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/robbery-united-states-analysis-recent-trends-and-patterns). *Office of Justice Programs*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** Siegel, Larry J.; Welsh, Brandon C. (January 2014). [*Juvenile Delinquency: Theory, Practice, and Law*](https://books.google.com/books?id=ROTKAgAAQBAJ&dq=%221+million+robberies%22+%22us%22&pg=PT77). Cengage Learning. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781285974705](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781285974705).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-f967_33-0)** ["United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, crime-violent-offences, Category: Robbery"](https://dataunodc.un.org/crime-violent-offences). Retrieved 18 May 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-s523_34-0)** ["United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, dp-sdg-16-1-3, Prevalence rate of robbery (%)"](https://dataunodc.un.org/dp-sdg-16-1-3). *dataUNODC*. Retrieved 2025-08-13.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-c089_35-0)** ["SDG indicator metadata"](https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/metadata/files/Metadata-16-01-03.pdf) (PDF). Retrieved 2025-08-13.

## Sources

- Matthew Hale. *[Historia Placitorum Coronae](/source/Historia_Placitorum_Coronae)*. 1736. 1800 Edition. Volume 1. Chapter XLVI. pp [532](https://books.google.com/books?id=2KoDAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA530)–538.

## Further reading

- Allen, Michael. (2005). *Textbook on Criminal Law*. Oxford: Oxford University Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-19-927918-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-19-927918-7).

- Criminal Law Revision Committee. 8th Report. Theft and Related Offences. Cmnd. 2977

- Griew, Edward. *Theft Acts 1968 & 1978*. London: Sweet & Maxwell. London: LexisNexis. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-406-89545-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-406-89545-7)

## External links

Look up ***[robbery](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/robbery)***, ***[robber](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/robber)***, or ***[hold-up](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/hold-up)*** in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Robbery](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Robbery).

v t e English criminal law Classes of crimes Indictable Either way Summary Regulatory (lowered mens rea) Statutory Common law Elements of crimes Actus reus Causation Mens rea Intention (criminal law) Intention in English law Recklessness Criminal negligence Corporate / Vicarious / Strict liability Omissions Doctrines Lesser included offences Concurrence Ignorantia juris non excusat Inchoate offences Encouraging or assisting a crime Conspiracy Accessory Attempt Common purpose Defences Self-defence Duress Necessity Loss of control Consent inc. participation in a sporting event Medical procedures Prevention of crime Lawful excuse Insanity Diminished responsibility Intoxication Category:Criminal defences Offences against the person Homicide (Murder / Manslaughter / Corporate manslaughter / Infanticide) Unlawful killing Child destruction Concealment of birth Wounding or causing grievous bodily harm Assault occasioning actual bodily harm Common assault Attempting to choke, &c. in order to commit any indictable offence Assault with intent to rob Robbery Assault with intent to rape Assault with intent to resist lawful apprehension Assaulting a constable in the execution of his duty Battery Kidnapping Child abduction False imprisonment Harassment Offences Against the Person Act 1861 Treason Sexual offences Rape Sexual assault Sexual Offences Act 2003 Public order offences Riot Violent disorder Affray Unlawful assembly Fear or provocation of violence Harassment, alarm or distress intent aggravates Public Order Act 1986 Incitement to ethnic or racial hatred Nuisance Causing Public nuisance Outraging public decency Effecting a public mischief Keeping a disorderly house Preventing the lawful burial of a body Breach of the peace Rout Forcible entry Accessory (legal term) Misconduct in a public office Misfeasance in public office Abuse of authority Perjury of oath Dereliction of duty Offences against property Arson Dishonesty Cheating (law) Burglary Robbery Theft Criminal damage Squatting Trespass Taking without owner's consent Deception Handling stolen goods Misappropriation of funds Blackmail Extortion Cybercrime Theft Act 1968 Theft Act 1978 Fraud Act 2006 Fraud by abuse of position Conspiracy to defraud Fare evasion Webcam blackmail Forgery, personation and cheating Forgery Cheating the public revenue Uttering Offences against justice Bribery Perjury Perverting the course of justice Witness intimidation Witness tampering Misprision of treason Jury tampering Assault with intent to resist lawful apprehension Assaulting a constable in the execution of his duty Harboring a fugitive Encouraging or assisting a crime Escape from lawful custody Obstruction of justice Obstruction of a police officer Wasting police time Refusing to assist a constable Sedition Espionage Contempt of court Fabrication of false evidence Rescuing a prisoner Other common law areas Contract Tort Property Wills Trusts and estates Evidence Criminal procedure English law portal For obsolete aspects see History of English criminal law table

v t e Types of crime Note: Crimes vary by jurisdiction. Not all types are listed here. Classes Infraction Misdemeanor Felony Summary Indictable Hybrid Corruption Law portal Against the person Assassination Assault Attempted murder Battery Child abuse Concealment of a corpse Criminal negligence Domestic violence False imprisonment Frameup Harassment Street Home invasion Hate crime Human trafficking Impersonation Intimidation Kidnapping Manslaughter (corporate) Mayhem Murder felony Mutilation Homicide Negligent homicide Reckless homicide Robbery Stalking Stabbing Torture Against property Arson Arms trafficking Bank robbery Blackmail Bribery Burglary Cybercrime Embezzlement Extortion False pretenses Forgery Fraud Gambling Intellectual property theft Intellectual property violation Larceny Looting Payola Pickpocketing Possessing stolen property Robbery Shoplifting Smuggling Parallel import Tax evasion Theft Trespass to land Uttering Vandalism Mischief Against the public Apostasy Corruption Political Kickback Censorship violation Dueling Genocide Ethnic cleansing Hostage-taking People smuggling Insider trading Smuggling Illegal consumption (such as drugs, alcohol, and smoking) Miscegenation Piracy Regicide Unreported employment Usurpation War crimes Against the state Lèse-majesté Treason Espionage Secession Sedition Subversion Against justice Against public justice Compounding Contempt Error of impunity Judicial misconduct Justice delayed Malfeasance in office Miscarriage of justice Misprision Perjury Perverting the course of justice Sentencing disparity Against animals Cruelty to animals Poaching Wildlife smuggling Bestiality Sexual offenses Adultery Bigamy Child sexual abuse Cybersex trafficking Fornication Homosexuality Groping Incest Indecent exposure Masturbation Obscenity Prostitution Rape Pederasty Sex trafficking Sexual assault Sexual harassment Sexual slavery Voyeurism Inchoate offenses Attempt Conspiracy Incitement Solicitation WikiSource Wikimedia Commons Wikiquote Wikinews

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Robbery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbery) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbery?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.