Robbery
Being confronted by a thief can be a frightening experience
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A robbery is when someone takes something from you with violence or threats – often but not always in the street or another public place. It's a relatively common crime.
Even if you are not physically hurt during a robbery it can be very distressing because you have been threatened with violence or someone has used force to steal from you. So even without injury it is still classed as a violent crime. Being confronted by a thief, who might have a weapon, can be a frightening experience for anyone.
How you react to robbery will depend on lots of different factors – not just the crime but things about you as a person and how you cope with difficult events in your life. Everyone will respond differently. But however you feel, remember that's it's never your fault – only the offender is to blame and nobody has the right to take or destroy your things.
However you've been affected, your feelings are likely to be a normal response to the shock and fear that robbery causes. You may find that you have no reaction straight afterwards, but later on you may start to feel more affected.
The effects of a crime like this can last a long time. You may find that you are afraid of becoming a victim again and this makes you nervous about going out and being in public places. Many people find it very helpful to talk to someone about feelings like this. Every year our volunteers help many people who have been victims of robbery and you can talk to them in confidence. They are also trained to give you practical help and can give you information on compensation and the criminal justice system.
Get in touch: we can help
Most people are referred to us by the police when they report a crime. But anyone can contact us directly if they want to.
You can also email or call the Victim Supportline on 0845 30 30 900 for support and information.