This paper presents a preliminary analysis of the findings of a study on robberies in Slovenia.
The study involved a sample of 187 robberies out of 349 reported to police in 2003. They were distinguished by those committed indoors (n=67) and those committed in an outdoor space (n=120). The study focused on the characteristics of robberies in the two types of spaces, the criminal investigation, and the characteristics of suspects and victims. The criminal investigation of robberies in Slovenia is critiqued, and improvements are recommended, particularly for outdoor robberies, which do not receive as much attention from the police as indoor robberies. A high percentage of robbery offenders were found to be addicted to drugs, suggesting that robbery is a means of gaining money to purchase drugs. Combating drug addiction in a jurisdiction may, therefore, help reduce the incidence of robberies. Further, an analysis of the conditions for robberies, particularly outdoor robberies, suggests that the police can provide information to potential robbery victims that can reduce their risk, such as avoiding high-risk places at times of high risk and not walking alone at night. Prevention of indoor robberies might include surveillance by closed-circuit television, the use of private security personnel, and target hardening. 2 tables, 5 notes, and 17 references