Mode of Operation

Findings from the 2000 BCS indicate that although those involved in snatch theft (not classified by the police as robbery as the level of violence is absent or minimal) generally work alone, robbers tend to work in groups. Overall, a fifth of muggings involved four or more offenders. Victims did not usually think muggers had been affected by alcohol or drugs: 17% were said to been drinking, (possibly reflecting the premeditated nature of the crime) whilst 18% thought the offender was under the influence of drugs.

The 2000 British Crime Survey (http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs/hosb1800.pdf)