robbery - Robbery is defined by the US department of Justice as: The taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody or control from a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear. This is different from mere theft, where force is not used against you personally, but objects are stolen. In short, robbery happens to you, theft happens to your property. In theft your property is stolen and any damage will occur to it ,or other property (i.e. your door kicked in by a burglar). Whereas with robbery the threat of harm is to you. An example, of the difference is a pick pocket (who takes your wallet out of your purse) is not committing robbery. Someone who walks up and puts a gun in your face and demands your purse, is. In a robbery, you are put in danger. If you are lucky, you will only be offered the threat of violence.