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Robbery Information

Robbers Are Equal Opportunity Criminals

The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice defines Robbery (2C:15-1) as:

a. Robbery defined. A person is guilty of robbery if, in the course of committing a theft, he:

  1. Inflicts bodily injury or uses force upon another; or
  2. Threatens another with or purposely puts him in fear of immediate bodily injury; or
  3. Commits or threatens immediately to commit any crime of the first or second degree.

An act shall be deemed to be included in the phrase “in the course of committing a theft” if it occurs in an attempt to commit theft or in immediate flight after the attempt or commission.

b. Grading. Robbery is a crime of the second degree, except that it is a crime of the first degree if in the course of committing the theft the actor attempts to kill anyone, or purposely inflicts or attempts to inflict serious bodily injury, or is armed with, or uses or threatens the immediate use of a deadly weapon.

Source: New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice

It isn’t that robbers are around every corner. But they do take us by surprise and they can target anyone!

Personal Safety Tips for the Street

  1. Don’t walk alone during late-night hours. Walk in groups whenever you can-there is safety in numbers.
  2. Let a family member or friend know your destination and your estimated time of arrival or return. That way, law enforcement can be notified as quickly as possible if there is a problem.
  3. Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible. Avoid alleys, vacant lots, wooded areas, and shortcuts or secluded areas.
  4. Wear clothes and shoes that give you freedom of movement.
  5. Don’t talk to strangers.
  6. If you are wearing headphones, don’t turn up the volume so high that you cannot hear outside noises.
  7. Never hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.
  8. If someone or something makes you uneasy, avoid the person or leave.
  9. Don’t display expensive jewelry in public.
  10. Know the neighborhoods where you live and work.
  11. Check out the locations of police and fire stations, public buildings, hospitals and restaurants or stores that are open late.

Personal Safety Tips for Home

  1. Don’t allow strangers into your home, even if they are hurt or say they need help.
  2. Keep the door locked and call the police for them.
  3. Don’t advertise that you live alone.
  4. Don’t be afraid to call law enforcement to investigate suspicious circumstances, unusual people, or strange noises. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
  5. When you move into a new home or apartment, change the locks if you own it or
    ask the manager to change them if you rent.
  6. Don’t leave notes on your door announcing when you will be home.
  7. Keep outdoor lights on at night.
  8. If you arrive at home and your door is open or things appear to be out of place,
    don’t go in. Leave and call 911.
  9. If you are accosted by a robber, follow his or her instructions.
  10. Don’t argue or attempt to fight with your assailant.

Automobile Safety

  1. Always park in well-lighted areas.
  2. Always be alert to people just sitting in their cars.
  3. If you are alone at a shopping mall, ask a security guard to escort you to your car, if you are uncomfortable.
  4. After checking around your car, enter it quickly and lock all the doors. Teach your children to enter and exit the car quickly.
  5. If you car is bumped in traffic. Don’t get out of your car. Use your cellular phone and call 911. Many times carjackers use this technique so that they can overpower you and steal your car.
  6. The last thing you should do is argue or fight with a carjacker. You could be seriously injured or killed. It isn’t worth it!
  7. Never agree to be kidnapped. Either drop the keys or throw them away from the car as far as you can. When the carjacker goes for the keys, get out of there as fast as you can.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Tips

  1. Try to use machines you are familiar with and try to use terminals located inside banks rather than independent terminals.
  2. Be aware of your surroundings. Look around before conducting a transaction. If you see anyone or anything suspicious, cancel your transaction and go to another ATM.
  3. If you must you use an ATM after hours, make sure it’s well-lighted.
Source: National Crime Prevention Council