Source A: Historical overview of highway robbery

'Highway robbery was a common form of crime during the 17th and 18th centuries, often targeting coaches and travelers on main roads.' Provenance: Historical summary from a crime history textbook, 2005.

Source B: Timeline of notable highway robberies

• 1680: Increase in highway robberies due to poor policing
• 1690: Laws introduced to combat highway robbery
• 1720: Robbery gangs become more organized
• 1750: Rise of roadside inns and checkpoints
• 1800: Decline of highway robbery with improvements in policing and transportation Provenance: Chronological history from a criminal history journal, 2010.

Source C: Historian's view

'The increase in highway robberies was largely due to the neglect of law enforcement and the growth of organized gangs.' Provenance: Modern historian's analysis, 2015.

Source D: Impact on trade and travelers

'Highway robberies caused fear among travelers and disrupted trade routes, leading to economic consequences.' Provenance: Economic and social history report, 2008.