Answer
The distinguishing element is the means used. Robbery (Article 293) requires that the taking be accomplished by violence against or intimidation of a person, or by force upon things. Theft (Article 308) is the taking of property without the owner's consent but without any of those means.
So an unarmed pickpocket who quietly takes a wallet commits theft; one who takes it by threatening or assaulting the victim, or by breaking into a locked place, commits robbery, which carries heavier penalties.
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