NCJ Number
173536
Date Published
1997
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This bulletin examines trends in reported unarmed and armed robbery in South Australia during the past decade (1985-1995).
Abstract
It analyzes such factors as the location and time when robbery occurs, the average value of goods stolen, and the characteristics of victims. It also profiles those offenders apprehended for robbery, including some details of their past offending and the penalties imposed by the courts. The data show that in 1995 there were 1,472 robberies reported, 0.7 percent of all offenses reported that year. Of these robberies, only 6.4 percent involved the use of a firearm, and 18.5 percent involved some other form of weapon. The number of robberies reported to police increased during the latter part of the 1980s and early 1990s, with a peak of 1,691 reached in 1993. Since then, robbery offenses have decreased by 13 percent. The main contributor to the increase in reported robberies during the 1989-93 period was a substantial increase in the number of reported unarmed robberies. Armed robbery offenses now account for a smaller proportion of all reported robberies than at any stage during the previous 11 years. The median value of goods stolen in all robberies during 1995 was $69.50. Victimization rates were greatest among those aged 10-17 years. Of alleged offenders, 46.9 percent were aged 10-17. More than three-quarters of alleged offenders apprehended during 1995 had at least one prior conviction at the time of apprehension. Of those offenders convicted in the District or Supreme Court during 1995, 82.3 percent were sentenced to a period of imprisonment, with the average length being 74.4 months for armed robbery and 35.4 months for unarmed robbery. Extensive tables and charts and 5 references