PREVENTION OF STREET ROBBERY

• NCJ Number: 144607
• Author(s): M Barker; J Geraghty; B Webb; T Key
• Date Published: 1993
• Length: 45 pages
• Sale Source: Great Britain Home Office, Policing and Reducing Crime Unit
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom
• Note: Crime Prevention Unit Series Paper No. 44

Annotation

Fear and anxiety associated with street robbery suggest that the police and other agencies need to implement such prevention measures as improved policing techniques and education, social programs, and crime opportunity reduction.

Abstract

Between 1976 and 1986 in England and Wales, street robberies increased by about 6 percent yearly. Between 1988 and 1990, the incidence of street robberies decreased yearly. An analysis of 5,615 street robberies that occurred during the March-August 1987 period found that 2,467 incidents (44 percent) involved violence against the victim. Of these victims, 1,547 (28 percent) were injured; 173 (3 percent) were injured seriously enough to sustain a charge of grievous bodily harm. Young victims were overrepresented in the 5,615 cases, and the largest occupational groups among victims were white collar workers, professionals, shop assistants, and service industry employees. Property taken included bags (briefcases and shopping bags), jewelry, wallets, checkbooks, and credit cards. Interviews with 45 street robbers elicited information on family background, offending history, robbery offenses, and robbery prevention. Interviews with 33 victims requested information on conditions of the attack, what they were wearing, how they reacted, robbery prevention, and available support. Most offenders robbed for money, and drugs played a primary role in only a few of the cases. Offenders did not mention particular types of places when asked a hypothetical question about where they might choose to offend. When asked how they chose robbery victims, most offenders mentioned wealthy appearance. Most robberies were committed in daylight hours, and offenders said they were prepared to use as much force as necessary to get what they wanted from victims. Over half of the victims reported injuries sustained during the course of the robbery, and many found the attacks very traumatic. A strategic approach to street robbery prevention is advocated that incorporates enhanced policing, preventive social programs, and educational initiatives. 34 references, 8 tables, and 4 figures