The issues in The $$Force$$ Element center on how to establish if and when a robbery has occurred and how difficult it can be to prove the $$force$$ element. Explain your choices in this scenario by addressing the following questions.

The facts referred to prior cases where the suspects used the same modus operandi. One might wonder if the suspects knew that certain actions would make them $$robbers$$ instead of simple $$thieves$.$ What could have been some of the MO information that linked the cases together in this scenario? Be specific.