What action differentiates "robbery" from "theft"?

The key action that differentiates robbery from theft is the use of force or intimidation. In legal terms, robbery is defined as taking property from a person or presence by using force, intimidation, or threats. This means that there is a direct confrontation in which the victim may feel threatened or physically harmed, which distinguishes it from theft.

On the other hand, theft involves taking someone's property without consent and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it, but it does not involve any force or intimidation against a person. For example, stealing an unattended item would be considered theft, whereas robbing someone at gunpoint involves the element of force or intimidation, classifying it as robbery.

The involvement of property is common to both crimes, and while the value of property taken might have legal implications regarding the severity of the charge (for instance, distinguishing between grand theft and petty theft), it does not fundamentally alter the definitions of robbery versus theft. Additionally, the location of the crime does not inherently define the nature of the offense; both robbery and theft can occur in various locations without affecting their classifications.