Motivations for Robbery

Research Paper # 116111

Criminology
Psychology

An examination of the motives behind a robber's acts.

2,741 words () | 8 sources | APA | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper examines studies that highlight how the primary motive behind robberies is to acquire instant cash. The paper explains that robbery is preferred over other criminal acts such as burglary or auto theft, although these may offer higher returns, since robbery takes less time and the perceived risks are lower. The paper looks at the motivation of gang membership in robbery crimes as well as the motivation of individuals to support families.

Outline:
Loss of Property
Gang-related Robbery
Racially-Motivated or Hate Robberies
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Robbery is the taking of a person's possession in his presence, with an accompanying threat or actual act of violence. It is different from burglary, wherein the victim need not be present. It also different from larceny such that there is no violence involved. Robbery is also different from extortion since in the latter, the threat of violence will happen in the future and not the present. Robbery is a felony or major crime. It is punishable by imprisonment and can be aggravated if the offender is armed or resorts to actual violence in committing the crime."

Sample of Sources Used:

American College Personnel Association Standing Committee for Men (february 15, 2004) http://www.myacpa.org/sc/SCM/index.html
Erickson, Rosemary J. (2003) Teenage Robbers: How and Why They Rob. Athena Research Corporation. San Diego, CA.
Four Children Charged With a Racially Motivated Attack Allegedly Beat Another Child While Shouting Racial Slurs (04 October 2005) WABC-TV.
Goldberg, L. and Zamora, J.H. A Daily Dose of Fear. San Francisco Examiner. November 27, 1996.
Jacobs B, Wright R. (1999, February). Stick-up, street-culture and offender motivation. Criminology.