The FBI’s UNIFORM CRIME REPORT states that offenders used firearms in 41.8 percent of all reported robberies.  Strong-arm tactics (hands, fists and feet) were used in 39.9 percent.  Knives or other cutting instruments were used in 8.9 percent.  Other weapons were employed in 9.4 percent of the robberies.

 

43.4 percent of all robberies occurred on the streets or highways. 

 

The average person who was robbed on the street or highway lost $898.

 

Adults comprised 76.3 percent of all persons arrested for robbery.

 

89.6 percent of them being male, 54.4 percent were black and 43.9 percent were white.

 

So, what does this all mean?  The above statistics would imply that if you were to be robbed it would be on the street or highway (43.4%) by an adult (76.3%) black (54.4%) male (89.6%) with a firearm (41.8%) and you would loose $898.  Who walks/drives around with $898 in their pockets?  If you carry that kind of money with you are you looking for a best friend?  But seriously, do all these statistics really mean anything? 

 

I think so – some form of weapon was used in 60.1 percent of robberies but what about the fact that 39.9 percent where committed by strong-arm tactics only - no weapon used!  That’s a pretty high percentage and should pose some interesting questions for those of us that carry a firearm for self-defense.  What legal ramifications are there if we defend ourselves with a firearm against an unarmed robber?  Would just displaying our firearm cause him to flee?  Will I shoot if he doesn’t?  I’m not a lawyer or a judge so I can’t answer those questions for you; those are decisions you’ll have to make for yourself depending on the circumstances – but you better at least start thinking about it.  It’s better to give it some thought now than to be faced with making a life and death decision under extreme stress.