By Mark DaCosta- Street robbery, the crime characterised by the use or threat of force to steal property from individuals in public spaces, remains a significant concern for public safety in Guyana. Understanding the patterns, characteristics, and contributing factors related to street robbery is crucial for effective prevention and intervention. Although Village Voice News has examined this issue before – through the eyes of victims – let’s examine the complexities of this crime from another perspective – through the eyes of experts who have written academic papers about it – and explored strategies to address it.
Who commits street robbery?
Demographics according to experts:
Most street robbery offenders are young (under 30 years old) and male.
In some areas, there’s a higher representation of individuals from ethnic minorities and deprived backgrounds. However, experts emphasise – in their academic papers – that this fact may simply be due to the demographics of particular communities to the exclusion of any other factors.
Offenders perceive street robbery as a quick and profitable crime, yielding both cash and goods.
Psychological experts write that rational decision-making based on cost-benefit reasoning influences their actions during robberies. In other words, during robberies, offenders think rationally about the costs and benefits of their actions. An offender may stop a robbery if the risk outweighs the benefit – for example, if a police patrol approaches.
Who falls prey to street robbery?
An attractive victim for street robbery presents low risk and reasonable reward. Offenders prefer victims they can intimidate, subdue, or overpower. Overall, robbery victims tend to be young (under 30 years old), small in size, and apparently weak. Specific goods are frequently targeted, including cash, purses/wallets, small electronics (phones, cameras, mp3 players, laptops), jewelry, and drugs.
Where does street robbery occur?
Street robbery is spatially concentrated in specific areas. Motivated offenders are drawn to certain types of land use and facilities. Locations that increase the risk of robbery include:
Businesses open late with cash transactions (e.g., betting shops, convenience stores). Areas providing cover or opportunities to loiter (e.g., bus stops, train stations, ATMs). Concentrations around drugs markets and red light districts, and dark, lonely streets.
Strategies for prevention:
High visibility police patrols is effective as a short-term tactic to reduce street robbery incidents. Increased police presence deters offenders.
Awareness campaigns protect potential victims at specific times and places. Also, educating the public about safety precautions.
Targeted Responses include didisrupting situational mechanisms causing street robbery. Also, focusing on specific hotspots and offender behaviors.
Addressing Street Robbery in Guyana
Despite claims to the contrary by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) regime, street robberies are on the rise in Guyana.
Reports indicate that robberies often occur near markets known to the police.
Gangs of young men on bicycles or motorcycles carry out most of these crimes.
Street robberies are more serious than snatchings due to the potential for injury or death.
Experts write that tackling street robberies requires a multifaceted approach involving law enforcement, community awareness, and evidence-based strategies. By understanding offender behavior, victim vulnerabilities, and high-risk locations, we can work towards safer streets and reduced crime rates.
Finally, experts agree that citizens should be alert, and appear to be alert. Also, if confronted by a gang against which one cannot defend oneself, a victim should not resist – just give up the cellphone, or whatever. After all, material possessions are replaceable, but your life is not.