The Routine Activities Theory

The Routine Activities Theory is an explanation of how a change in a person’s social patterns affects crime rates. At the center of the environmental criminology theory, the Routine Activities Theory examines crimes as events that happen at a specific location and time, involving specific persons and/or objects. There are three components necessary for predatory crimes to occur; a motivated offender, suitable targets, and the absence of a capable guardian. In the event that one is lacking, a predatory crime cannot occur. The Routine Activities Theory gave criminologists the problem analysis triangle or crime triangle. Formulated by Lawrence Cohen and Marcus Felson, it theorizes that a crime will occur when a likely offender, a suitable target,