Armed Robbery: Who Commits it and Why?

• NCJ Number: 217152
• Author(s): Katie Willis
• Date Published: November 2006
• Length: 6 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: AIC Trends & Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice, No. 328, November 2006.

Annotation

This article reviews the characteristics of offenders who commit armed robbery, including their motivations, attitudes toward victims, and how their crimes are accomplished.

Abstract

Research on armed robbery indicates that there are two main types of armed robbers: (1) professional robbers who plan their robberies, target high risk commercial establishments, use firearms more frequently, and work in groups; and (2) amateur or opportunistic robbers who do not plan their robberies, target low risk victims, do not typically use firearms, and work independently. Trend analysis suggests that the type of armed robber targeting high risk establishments, such as banks, and the manner they carry out their crime may be changing. Target hardening strategies, such as using security screens and security guards, has reduced the risk of robbery for certain high risk establishments. Such target hardening strategies may be causing professional robbers to turn to more easily obtained sources of illicit income, leaving opportunistic and amateur robbers to try their hand at high risk targets such as banks. There is also evidence that establishments traditionally targeted by professional robbers are now being targeted by a new type of offender characterized as drug involved, desperate, and volatile. Motivations to offend generally revolve around the need to finance illicit drugs. Research also indicates that many armed robbers consume drugs or alcohol prior to their offense. The sociodemographic characteristics of armed robbers are reviewed, which indicate that the majority of armed robbers are male and are younger than 30 years of age. Most armed robbers convicted in Australia and the United Kingdom are of European decent. Australian research indicates that injuries to victims caused by firearms are relatively infrequent compared with other weapon types. The presence of more than one armed robber and the use of alcohol by the offender are linked to increase risk of victim injury. Figures, table, references