Steaming (crime)

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In UK slang, steaming is a robbery performed on train or bus passengers by a gang or large group and often involving some level of violence. [1] [2] It is often used interchangeably with mugging, referring to a specific subcategory of that crime. Several cases have been reported on the London Underground and other city public transport systems although not exclusively localised to them. It may also be applied to other theft such as shoplifting, involving a large group employing distraction tactics, intimidation or actual violence against staff. [3] In general, the term refers to the operation in a large group and the use of intimidation and violence to commit theft.

Robbery Taking or attempting to take something of value by force or threat of force or by putting the victim in fear

Robbery is the crime of taking or attempting to take anything of value by force, threat of force, or by putting the victim in fear. According to common law, robbery is defined as taking the property of another, with the intent to permanently deprive the person of that property, by means of force or fear; that is, it is a larceny or theft accomplished by an assault. Precise definitions of the offence may vary between jurisdictions. Robbery is differentiated from other forms of theft by its inherently violent nature ; whereas many lesser forms of theft are punished as misdemeanors, robbery is always a felony in jurisdictions that distinguish between the two. Under English law, most forms of theft are triable either way, whereas robbery is triable only on indictment. The word "rob" came via French from Late Latin words of Germanic origin, from Common Germanic raub -- "theft".

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References

  1. "Steaming gang targets teenagers". BBC News. 7 September 2007. Retrieved 11 September 2010.
  2. Cheston, Paul"On CCTV, the train steaming gang set out on a mission of menace" Evening Standard, 4 December 2008
  3. Bennetto, Jason"'Steamers' leap counters to rob London banks" The Independent, 4 February 1996