Robbery is the unlawful taking of personal property (a felony) from the possession or custody of another person by means of force or threat of force, violence or fear. It is a violent crime and, unlike burglary or shoplifting, is not punishable as a misdemeanor in many jurisdictions.

A robbery can take any type of property, from cash or jewelry to expensive electronic devices. During a robbery, a perpetrator will attempt to get away with the stolen goods by running or getting into a vehicle. Most robberies are committed at banks although some occur in other types of businesses as well. The FBI collects and reports bank crime statistics, but most robberies are investigated by local police agencies. The FBI may help local authorities identify trends and develop effective crime prevention strategies.

For a robbery to be charged, the wrongdoer must steal something of value and immediately before or at the time of the theft, use force, threaten force or put someone in fear of being then and there subjected to force. A classic example is a holdup at a convenience store. However, even purse-snatching may constitute a robbery in certain circumstances.

To prevent robbery, keep valuables out of sight. Secure your home with locks and alarms. Make your house look occupied by turning on lights and radios when you are out of town or by asking trusted neighbors to check in on your property while you are away for a long period of time. Be careful when walking at night and avoid alleyways or crossing parks or commons unless they are well lit. Avoid carrying large amounts of money or other valuables, especially on your back and don’t carry around a purse that can easily be snatched.