Originally published in 1986. Based on interviews with men in prison, this study takes two groups of convicted criminals: men convicted of robbery, and, for comparison, men convicted for breaking into commercial premises. It focuses on how victims are chosen, the decision-making processes, and the characteristics of those selected.

Dermot Walsh was lecturer in sociology at the University of Exeter.

Preface 1. Burglars: Personnel 2. Burglaries: Events 3. Robbers: Personnel 4. Robberies: Events 5. Robberies: Victims and Aftermath 6. Conclusions. Notes and references