Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) Practice Exam 2025

If someone threatens to strike you to steal your wallet, what offense are they committing?

1. Theft

2. Robbery

3. Assault

4. Burglary

The correct answer is: Robbery

When someone threatens to strike you to steal your wallet, they are committing robbery. Robbery is characterized by using force or the threat of force to take property from another individual. In this scenario, the act of threatening you with physical harm is a clear indication of the intention to use intimidation or violence to achieve theft, which elevates the crime from simple theft to robbery. The presence of a threat of violence is a crucial aspect, distinguishing robbery from theft, where no such threats are made, and assault, which involves the threat or use of physical force but does not necessarily involve the intent to take property. Burglary, on the other hand, typically involves entering a building unlawfully with the intent to commit a crime inside, rather than confronting someone directly in an attempt to steal their belongings.