Characteristic features of robberies against residential property committed by organised groups in rural areas

Abstract

The relevance of the subject under study lies in the fact that under martial law, the problem of robberies against citizens’ homes is exacerbated, specifically, their danger increases due to the greater probability of members of an organised criminal group having firearms than in peacetime. The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of robberies against residential premises in rural areas committed by organised groups, to establish the factors which influence the choice of the victim of a future attack by the perpetrators, and to identify preventive measures to reduce the commission of such crimes. To address these issues, the study employed a set of methods of scientific cognition: systemic-structural, comparative, statistical, and systemic. The study found that a characteristic feature of such attacks is that they are committed by a group consisting mainly of fellow villagers with internally stable, long-term, trusting relationships, with a willingness to systematically commit violent crimes against individuals. They are characterised by a hierarchy and preparation for robberies in rural areas. It was established that during preparation for a robbery, to obtain the necessary information, offenders often study the routes of the village, find out information about its inhabitants, and select a victim. They can even speak directly to the potential victim and/or their neighbours. Therefore, interviewing villagers during the investigation of such a criminal offence is a significant step in identifying the perpetrators. The study identified factors that influence the commission of robberies in rural areas (presence of valuable property of the victim; remoteness of their residence, absence of neighbours; planned power outages, physically vulnerable person, etc.). To commit attacks on people’s homes in rural areas, attackers choose several villages in relatively familiar areas, which may be located in one region or in another region with which they border. It was noted that this complicates the work of law enforcement agencies in investigating this type of crime. The practical value of this study lies in the consideration by law enforcement officers of the theoretical results of this study regarding the impact on the choice of victims by criminals and the established characteristics inherent in such robberies

Keywords

• crimes against property
• organised criminal group
• planning of a crime
• potential victim
• factors of committing a criminal offence