Ramraiding

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ramraiding is a variation on burglary in which a van, SUV, or cars, or other heavy vehicle is driven through the windows or doors of a closed shop, usually a department store or jewellers, to allow the perpetrators to loot it.

This act has occurred since at least the mid 1930s. The term came into widespread use after a series of such raids in Belfast in 1979 which was covered in news reports, and in countries such as Australia which inspired a series of similar crimes.

Notably, two cars are used to break into technology companies and steal high value equipment for resale on the black market.

Commercial properties in areas prone to ram-raids often erect strong barriers or obstructions such as bollards to discourage such attacks. ATM centers are also victims of this Ramraiding.

The practice was portrayed in the 1994 movie Shopping.