Why bandits is apt for this sentence?

[Goran]

English Synonym, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #73 "Synonyms for robber and thief", question 8

The ......... stopped the car, pointed a gun at the driver and took all his money and documents.

(a) thieves
(b) bandits
(c) burglars
(d) pirates

English Synonym, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #73 "Synonyms for robber and thief", answer 8

The bandits stopped the car, pointed a gun at the driver and took all his money and documents.

Correct answer: (b) bandits

Your answer was: incorrect
The thieves stopped the car, pointed a gun at the driver and took all his money and documents.
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Why bandits is apt for this sentence??
How to distinguish where to use bandit,burglar,thief,robber all to refer stealing??

[Daniela]

Dear Goran,
A robber is a person who unlawfully takes somebody else’s property in his presence, usually by using force.
A bandit is an armed thief who is (usually) a member of a band.
A burglar is a person who breaks into a house, or shop, or other building, esp. at night, with the aim of stealing something.
A thief is a criminal who takes property belonging to someone else (without his knowledge and consent) with the intention of keeping it or selling it, usually without violence.

Hope this helps!
Daniela
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