If force is used or threatened in order to commit a theft, the offence becomes the more serious charge of robbery. A person who commits theft is guilty of robbery if the person uses, or threatens to use, force against another in order to commit the theft or to escape from the scene of the offence [Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA) s 137(1)(a)]. The force or threat must occur at the time of, or immediately before or after, the theft [s 137(1)(b)].

If two or more people jointly commit robbery in company, each is guilty of aggravated robbery [s 137(2)].

Maximum penalty:

Basic offence: imprisonment for 15 years.

Aggravated offence: imprisonment for life.