If you see a shit ton of italian guys roll up in expensive cars I doubt you will think they sell ice cream.
Okay, but how do you know they're italian if they don't roleplay it?
My point is, I for one am more comfortable with a "loss" of something if I've had positive interaction from the situation.
Its the difference between "Get on the floor and give money or I shoot!" and a clear RP situation like:
/em Italian in origin, with clipped accent
* Ben. brandishes a golden Desert Eagle
/l Well, we have a problem here, don't we?
* Ben. leans forward and whispers a hidden threat into <person>s ear
/l I believe you have something which belongs to me. I want it back.