What is Ram Raiding?

There are many types of car accidents to know about. Sometimes vehicles collide with objects besides other vehicles, such as buildings. These crashes are often accidental, but there are situations in which a car-building collision is done on purpose.

Why would someone do something like that? For the purpose of theft. You may never hear of ram raids, but they have been around since World War II. Smash and grabs became common and then ram raids came about. Ram raids have become common in New Zealand, Australia, and the UK and have increased in popularity in some parts of the United States, particularly California.

Ram raids involve the use of a vehicle to drive into a store’s entrances, exits, windows, or displays in an attempt to steal store or displayed goods. These crashes are often associated with burglaries of high-value items. Suspects usually ram their vehicles into jewelry stores and other luxury retailers in the hopes of stealing a large number of expensive goods that can be resold. It is unknown how often ram raiding occurs because it is not considered its own separate crime in the United States. It is classified as a theft crime and punished accordingly based on the value of the goods stolen.

Legal Aspects

In the United States, ram-raiding is not a standalone crime. Instead, it is prosecuted under existing laws related to burglary, robbery, theft, and criminal damage to property. Criminal charges are generally based on the severity of the damage, the value of the stolen property, and the intent of the perpetrators.

The stolen items themselves form the basis for theft charges, while the damage caused to the building or property during the ram-raid is a basis for criminal damage charges. Many jurisdictions consider ram-raiding a type of burglary, which involves entering a building illegally with the intent to commit a crime. If force or the threat of force is used to gain entry or steal property, the crime could also be classified as robbery.

The value of the stolen property will determine the severity of the theft charge, which can range from a misdemeanor to a felony. Damage to property, particularly if it’s extensive, can result in fines and potentially jail time. The penalties for burglary can range from misdemeanors to felonies, with potential jail time and fines. Robbery charges can result in significant jail or prison sentences, especially if a weapon is involved.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer 

Ram raiding is sort of a unique type of car crash that can cause a lot of stress to business owners as well as injuries to those involved.

If you have been injured in a ram raid crash, get the help you need from a Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC. We will work to hold the liable parties responsible for your damages. To schedule a consultation with our office, call (281) 347-3247 or fill out the online form.

Source:

popcenter.asu.edu/sites/default/files/problems/burglary_retail/PDFs/Jacques.pdf#:~:text=Ram%20raiding%20