From 1962 to 1980, there was a four-fold increase in the per capita robbery rate in both Canada and the United States. Factors contributing to this are urbanization, demography, and social and economic conditions negatively impacting families and individuals. Robberies vary in their sophistication, violence, and profits according to the nature of the target. Four groups of offenders have been identified: the chronic offender, who has a long but amateurish career; the professional, who has a long and effective career; the intensive offender, who commits many poorly planned robberies over a short period; and the occasional offender, who commits only a few robberies over a short period. Although victims rarely experienced physical force, offender threats tended to increase with victim resistance. Victims experienced various physical and emotional ailments following robberies. In Quebec, the clearance rate for robbery is less than 10 percent. Public assistance and cooperation is an important factor in resolving cases. 8 references.