Multistate Study of Convenience Store Robberies, Summary of Findings

The five States had previously conducted research to estimate the probability of convenience store robberies in their jurisdictions and the extent of injury in these robberies. Interviews with convenience store robbery victims and offenders were conducted to obtain data on injury and store characteristics that might influence injury and robbery rates; 148 offenders and 80 victims were interviewed. The primary focus of victim and offender interviews was on the nature of convenience store robberies in which they participated. Findings suggested the number of clerks on duty was not a significant factor in explaining whether convenience store robberies were likely to result in injury. Offenders said clerk behavior was much more important than the number of clerks in determining whether they used force. Clerks appeared to believe there was little they could do to prevent the occurrence of robberies and whether they were injured during robberies. Traditional environmental design elements were not identified by victims or offenders as factors that influenced the occurrence of robberies. In addition, the notion that repeat and novice convenience store robbers differed in their selection of location and motivation for committing robberies was not supported by data. Planning for convenience store robberies was minimal, offenders were primarily motivated by the need for money and drugs, and offender behavior after the crime was poorly planned. Implications of the findings for convenience store robbery prevention and for robbery theories are examined. 38 references and 1 table