New York State Private Investigator Practice Exam

Which action is classified as robbery?

1. Stealing an unattended item from a public space

2. Taking someone's property by means of intimidation or violence

3. Using a deception to acquire possession of goods

4. Borrowing an item without returning it

The correct answer is: Taking someone's property by means of intimidation or violence

Robbery is defined as the unlawful taking of property from a person through the use of force, intimidation, or threats. The correct answer emphasizes that the act involves taking property directly from an individual while instilling fear or harm. This distinguishes robbery from other forms of theft, which may not involve direct confrontation or threaten a person's safety. In contrast, the other actions described represent different types of theft or misappropriation. For instance, stealing an unattended item from a public space pertains to theft but lacks the element of confrontation that characterizes robbery. Using deception to acquire possession of goods represents fraud rather than robbery, as it involves trickery rather than force or intimidation. Finally, borrowing an item without returning it is classified as borrowing, which can lead to theft if intent to permanently deprive the owner of the item is established, but it does not involve direct confrontation or coercion. Thus, the definition and criteria of robbery are clearly met only by the action of taking someone's property by means of intimidation or violence.