Frequently Asked Questions

What is robbery?
Robbery is the taking of anything of value from another person by use of force, threats or intimidation. If a deadly weapon is used or threatened it is aggravated robbery. If a suspect makes a victim believe that he has a deadly weapon by simulating a gun or by saying that he has a weapon, it is aggravated robbery.

What is the difference between robbery and burglary?
Robbery is the taking of something of value from a person by force while burglary is the unlawful entering of a premises to commit a crime therein, usually theft.

What should I do if I have been robbed?
Call 911 to get emergency personnel en-route. The sooner the police respond, the greater the chance that the offender will be caught.

If you are working in a business when you are robbed you should lock the doors, after calling the police. You should not touch anything that the robber may have touched. If possible, write down a description of the robber (height, weight, age, hair color, race, clothing, etc.) while it is still fresh in your mind.

You should not attempt to resist an armed robber.

What is the difference between theft and theft from person?
Theft is the taking of property that belongs to someone else (stealing). Theft from person is committed when the taking of the property is from a person's control, such as a purse snatch or a pick pocket, where the property is taken from the person's hands or pockets.

How can I protect myself?
Go to the Robbery Prevention At Home or Robbery Prevention At Work  page for some tips, or contact any robbery detective or police officer.