NCJ Number
102285
Date Published
1986
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Based on interviews with 113 male California offenders convicted of robbery or a related offense, this paper analyzes robbers' decisionmaking processes as well as motivations, planning, and target selection involved in their crimes.
Abstract
The interviews were undertaken in 1971 and 1972 as part of a wider study. The sample was stratified to include blacks and whites, adults and juveniles, offenders involved in commercial and individual robberies, and ones given both long and short prison sentences. Fewer than 60 percent robbed for the money. Other reasons included burglaries and fights that escalated into robberies, excitement, and recovering money that offenders claimed was theirs. Over half said they did no planning at all, and one-third reported only minor planning. Most robbers did not worry about getting caught, and many chose victims based on convenience. Over a third attacked victims in their own neighborhoods and over 70 percent in their own towns. Weapons were carried by 80 percent, although many had qualms about using them. These findings suggest that prevention strategies must be very selective and highly targeted. Thus, robbers who do not plan their crime can be thwarted by schemes that make obtaining money more difficult or time-consuming. Tables and 14 references.