Routine Activities Theory 5

Core idea

Crime happens when a motivated offender, suitable target, and lack of capable guardian come together.

Key points

theory focuses on opportunity not motivation

Change in daily routine, can increase or decrease crime opportunities

what it explains best

Why crime rates shift when routines and opportunities change

main crticism

Explains opportunity better than why people become offenders in the first place

Useful example

Leaving a laptop visible in a parked car with nobody around creates a suitable target with little guardianship, which raises the chance of theft.