The 2010 US census is a fascinating statistical look at a wide range of factors impacting life in the United States, not least of which is the effect of crime – robbery and burglary in particular. Using the data from the Robbery and Property Crimes report, the infographic below takes a look at crime in modern America – where it happens, when it happens, and how often.

Crime Rates in the USA Infographic

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Where Does Robbery Occur?

Streets and highways are the most common places for robbery to occur, with 146,000 offenses in 2009 and an average of $865 in property being stolen. Despite the increasing popularity of home surveillance systems, 58,000 offenses (with an average of $1,674 stolen) occurred in private residences, making it the second most popular location. Commercial buildings suffered 46,000 offenses, with an average of $1,774 being stolen.

18,000 offenses occurred at convenience stores, with an average of $717 stolen. Gas stations were victim of 8,000 offenses with an average of $862 being stolen. Finally, banks were involved in 7,000 offenses with the highest average amount stolen of $4,202.

What Weapon is Used in Robbery?

Firearms were used in 131,000 offenses (43%), followed by strong arm tactics with 126,000 offenses in 2009 (41%), and then knives which were used in 24,000 offenses (8%). Other types of weapons were used in 27,000 offenses (9%).

When Does Burglary Occur?

Despite the media image of the burglar breaking and entering while the occupants are asleep, the majority of burglaries (59%) occur during the day, with 910,000 offenses in 2009. Nighttime burglaries accounted for 41% of the total, with 625,000 offenses.

Where Does Burglary Occur?

Residential burglaries represented 74% of all burglary with 1,127,000 offenses and an average of $2,709 of goods being stolen. Commercial burglary accounted for 26% of all burglaries with 407,000 offenses and an average of $2,521 being stolen.

How Does Larceny Breakdown?

First, a quick definition. Larceny is defined as the unlawful taking and removing of another person’s personal property with the intention of permanently depriving the owner of possession. Although vehicle surveillance systems are becoming more commonplace, stealing from vehicles is the most popular form of larceny, with 1,520,000 offenses (27%) and an average of $737 of property being stolen. Shoplifting from retailers represented 18% of all larceny, with 1,002,000 offenses and an average of $178 stolen. Larceny from buildings represented 620,000 offenses (11%) with an average of $1,244 stolen.

Theft of motor vehicle accessories accounted for 501,000 larceny offenses (9%) with an average of $528 being stolen. Bicycle theft represented 187,000 larceny offenses (3%) with an average of $345 stolen. Purse snatching, pocket picking and theft from coin-operated machines represented 27,000, 24,000, and 22,000 offenses respectively with an average of $440, $489, and $348 worth of goods being stolen. Other types of larceny represented 1,660,000 offenses (30%) with an average of $1,439 stolen.

How Often Does Crime Occur?

According to the FBI’s crime clock, a murder occurs in the United States every 35 minutes and a rape every 6 minutes. There is a robbery every 1 minute and 30 seconds and a vehicle theft once every 40 seconds. Every 39 seconds, somewhere in the US a person is assaulted. A building is burgled every 14 seconds and a larceny occurs every 5 seconds.