Of all the categories of crime in the United Kingdom, robbery has shown the greatest rate of increase in recent times. In particular, the frequency of muggings is currently doubling in London every 4 to 5 years. In spite of media attention and public concern, little serious research has been conducted on the subject. This book begins with a review of existing studies and defines 'theft,' 'robbery,' and 'mugging' with particular reference to the principal statutes concerned with larceny and related offenses. Then, those factors (especially the mass media) are discussed which affect the public conception of robbery and sentencing policy; and statistics for unreported crimes, mugging, robbery, and indictable crime as a whole are analyzed. The detailed study of the random sample follows and includes an analysis and assessment of the results as well as a comparison to conclusions reached in other studies. A review and evaluation of relevant sociological theories is presented with special attention to social ecology and the relationship between delinquency and deprivation. In addition, an appraisal of the effects of immigration, racial discrimination, and other factors on the incidence of muggings is made. Among the conclusions is the observation that all-around improvements in housing, employment, and social conditions will eventually remove the circumstances which create muggers. In the short term, the offense can be stemmed by reducing the opportunities which encourage this crime. Appendixes contain sections of relevant acts and data tables. Charts, maps, and graphs are also provided, as are a 187-item bibliography and an index. (Author summary modified.)