This form of theft crime is when you physically take something from a person or place by force or with the threat of violence. For example, if you stole something from a store shelf, or broke into someone’s house to steal something when they weren’t there, this wouldn’t be robbery. The victim has to be there, and you have to steal something from them.
There is a legal gray area when someone is accused of robbery but steals something from someone’s person without them knowing. Instances of pickpocketing can receive robbery charges, but can also be charged with larceny instead if there arguably wasn’t the use or threat of force.
If someone is injured in the process of the robbery, you can receive additional charges for assault or worse in addition to robbery.