routine activities theory

Routine Activities Theory is a criminological perspective that suggests crime occurs when three conditions are met: there’s a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of capable guardianship. In simpler terms, if someone wants to commit a crime (like theft), they need an easy target (like an unlocked house) and no one around to stop them (like neighbors not paying attention). This theory emphasizes that crime is often a result of everyday patterns and opportunities rather than just individual motivations or deeper social issues. Understanding this can help in crime prevention by altering routines to reduce opportunities.