Mugger redirects here—mugger may also refer to Mugger Crocodile

Mugging is a type of robbery, in which the perpetrator (the mugger) accosts the victim in a public place, such as a street or parking lot, and demands money and/or valuables. The robber will typically threaten to use a weapon such as a gun or knife, but mugging can also involve physically beating the victim. Mugging differs from theft in its use of violence or intimidation.

Moral panic over muggings

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In England between August 1972 and August 1973, a moral panic erupted which was promoted by the media. During the year “newspaper reporting of mugging(s) emerged and became increasingly sensational”Hale, D. (1998). Popular Culture, Crime and Justice. Wadsworth Publishing Company, California. The media constructed a profile of the ‘mugger’ giving him characteristics and went so far as to blame him for the decline of the British Empire. The ‘mugger’ was a black male and was the reason for all the prevailing criminal problems, in short, the media made him the Folk devil (Hale 1998:125) as the community grew scared.

Reference

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Theft