Modus Operandi by Mauro Corvasce (universal ebook reader txt) 📕

the bed of the truck will remain inside and only open the door at the time of transfer. This arrangement insures that the only loss is the amount removed for transfer and not the complete contents of the truck. Robbers know that an armored car is most vulnerable during the transfer of money, so this is when they strike. Their weapons will be out and at the ready, so there is usually an exchange of gunfire. Innocent civilians are highly likely to become victims of the gunfire.

While stealing money during transfer will net an armored car robber more than a bank robber, the most money will be obtained by stopping the vehicle before deliveries or after pickups. One way to stop the truck is by stopping a van or moving truck suddenly in front of the armored vehicle. The sliding rear door opens and a number of armed personnel exit. The criminals shoot at the driver's and passenger's front windows, which softens the bulletproof glass, so that bullets can be fired through it to kill the driver and passenger. Then, the rest of the gang informs the guard in the back of the truck that they will blow up the vehicle if the doors are not opened.

Armored car robbers have a backup team of additional personnel standing by with another vehicle, just in case they are needed to stop the police. These thieves will flee in the same manner as other armed robbers.

The Amateur

The amateur robber may come from any walk of life and may have many motivations. He may be a hard-working individual who, in circumstances beyond his control, decides he needs quick cash. He could also be a person with a substance addiction that has grown beyond his financial means. He may be a teenager or gangbanger looking for excitement, power and easy money.

Amateur robbers will commit their crimes during seasons when it is customary to have large amounts of money in the house, such as Christmas or during summer vacation. They find targets by observing victims who wear expensive jewelry or clothing. They might even follow an expensive vehicle back to a residence, and then as the owners are getting out, force the victims at gun point into their home and rob them. These robbers carry materials, such as handcuffs, rope and duct tape, which will be used to secure the victims. But, we have worked only a lew armed robberies in which the victims were bound.

The Down-on-His-Luck'er

Let's first discuss how a first-time, middle-class, down-on-his-luck armed robber goes about committing a crime. He goes to a neighborhood where no one knows him and looks for a convenience store, gas station, small bank or department store. There will be little or no planning, and a short time before the robbery, he will try to motivate himself to commit the crime. He enters the location, and if he has a gun, he will show it. If not, he will threaten that he has one, and demand the money.

He will be noticeably nervous, which may include voice and body trembling and profuse sweating. The attendant being robbed will notice strong, foul-smelling body odor and bad breath due to additional perspiration and a dry mouth brought on by fear and/or excitement. Sometimes, alcohol or a narcotic may be used for a calming effect or to obtain the nerve to commit the crime.

If the employee refuses to turn over any money, which he should not do, the amateur will usually flee without the money. If he gets his money, he leaves and in most cases returns home. For his getaway, he will park a few blocks away in his own vehicle and walk to and from the robbery. If he used a weapon, he will usually make no attempt to rid himself of it.

The Juvenile

When a teenager or young adult robs a location, it will most likely be in or near his neighborhood. This is because young adults rarely have their own transportation. He will usually be assisted by his friends, and there may be some pre-planning prior to the robbery. However, the pre-planning is sketchy at best and basically includes only the location and who will approach the employee. They may scout just prior to the robbery to determine the number of people in the store. Juveniles almost always arm themselves with a cheap small caliber handgun.

Juvenile robbers are often quite violent and their crimes usually end with serious injury or death to either the victim or the robber. The robber may be killed if the owner has a weapon available. If a customer walks into the store during the robbery, or if shooting breaks out during the robbery, the customer will become involved. This type of robbery is very fast, and the loot is usually just the money in the cash register. Getaway is on foot or in a stolen vehicle parked and left running just outside the door.

The Desperate Drug Addict

The substance abuser, because of his need for quick money, will usually perform a robbery of opportunity when the circumstances are right. These circumstances may include an elderly person walking alone, a person walking in a secluded area, or a intoxicated victim. He will brandish or threaten to have a knife or a gun and demand the money. He leaves the scene on foot.

Gang-Bangers

Gang members, mostly of Asian gangs, place a prominent businessman under surveillance and follow him home or to his place of business. When the businessman is alone, they approach him and become violent and abusive towards him. They tie him up and demand money. Asians have a custom of keeping money in their homes and places of business during certain holidays for luck. These are ideal times for the armed robbers to strike. If this robbery takes place in the victim's home, they will threaten any other family members present with bodily harm if they refuse to comply with their demands. Some Asian businessmen do not use banks the way they should, and large amounts of