Consider: How Did the Robber Approach the Victim

A robber may use similar methods to approach victims in a series of robberies. Consider this variable when examining robbery and victim interview reports. 

From the book Elements of Crime Patterns:

Approach Variables Examples:

Followed victim: hid in victim’s vehicle, used third person to lure victim, made contact by telephone, made contact on social media, made contact by email, administered drug, stalked

By surprise: awakened victim, forceful sudden entry, lay in wait in building, lay in wait in vehicle, lay in wait outdoors, threatened with weapon

By blitz (direct, immediate assault): choked victim, hit victim with hand and/or fist, hit victim with clubbing weapon, shot victim, stabbed, or cut victim