Robbery vs Larceny
In the world of crime, robbery and larceny are two terms used to name two types of crimes that may appear to be similar to those who do not understand the difference between the two terms. Robbery and larceny are two crimes that are close to each other as there are aspects of larceny in every robbery. There are some who remain confused between larceny and robbery because of the definitions that are meant more for the legal system than for the understanding of common people. We keep on hearing these two words very frequently, which is why it is prudent for us to be able to differentiate between these two criminal activities.
What does Larceny mean?
It is possible for a person to commit robbery as well as larceny in a single criminal event. This makes him liable to serve penalties on both counts, and may have to serve prison sentences for both the crimes. Generally, it is people who are robbed, while things such as personal property or services are subject to larceny. Larceny is closer to stealing as it involves unlawful taking of someone else’s possession or property with the intention of depriving the owner of its possession permanently. In larceny, the owner does not come to know of the act and learns about his lost item only later. Larceny is more or less theft as the criminal has no intention of being noticed and performs his act in secrecy without the knowledge of anyone else. Larceny, in legal terms, is a lesser offence included in robbery.
What does Robbery mean?
Robbery is also stealing something from someone, but the difference is that, it is a brazen act of forcibly taking things from the owner in his presence by the use or threat of use of violence. In robbery, the owner of the item is threatened to part from his possession by the criminal. Thus, it is clear that the robbery is a more serious offense than larceny where no violence or threat of its use is involved. During robberies, people get hurt and even get killed when the criminal uses force to steal something from the possession of a person. Robbery is larceny plus use of force, or threat to use force. Assault or brandishing arms to forcibly take away possessions from a person is one aspect of the criminal activity that when it gets added to theft makes it as robbery.
What is the difference between Robbery and Larceny?
• Both larceny and robbery are similar offenses in that they are used to deprive a person of his possessions with the intention of not returning them back.
• While larceny is just like a theft, the element of use of force or threat of use of force makes a larceny a robbery.
• Larceny is conducted without the knowledge of the victim, whereas robbery is conducted in the presence of a person.
• Criminal does not wish to come into the limelight in larceny, whereas in robbery he threatens or hurts the victim to take forcibly away his belongings.
• Larceny is a smaller offense, while robbery is a more serious offence.
• Larceny is a crime that is often included in robbery and the culprit is given sentences or penalties for both the crimes simultaneously.