Routine Activities Theory

Question 1

What level is routine activity theory

Answer 1

• Macro-level view
• How do social/economic changes influence opportunities for crime

Question 1

What 3 elements must converge for a crime to occur

Answer 1

Motivated offender

Suitable target

Lack of capable guardian

2 & 3 are seen as the core dimensions of criminal opportunity
- Due to there always being motivated offenders
- The lack of any of these elements can prevent crime

Question 2

What is routine activity theory?

Answer 2

• Takes the supply of motivated offenders as a given
• Explain the variations in crime in the supply of suitable target and capable offenders
  Suitable targets have to do with the benefits of crime, while capable guardians have to do with the cost
• they originally applied to direct-conduct predatory offended by have now been extended to apply a broad range of crime
• Similar to lifestyle theory
• The spatial and temporal structure of routine activities plays an important role in determining the location, type and quantity of illegal acts in the community

Question 3

Where can routine activities occur

Answer 3

At home

At jobs away from home

Other activities away from home

Question 4

Since WWII, the US experienced a shift in routines and activities

Answer 4

People became more likely to spend time away from home, leading to a lack of capable guardians

Individuals more often in public locations increasing suitable targets

The rise of certain types of predatory crimes

Question 5

Empirical Support

Answer 5

Argues household and family activities entail a lower risk of criminal victimization than non-household activities
- Victimization is lower amount relatives and lower for groups

Argues expensive movable durables have a higher risk of theft
- Vehicles, electronics are overrepresented in thefts

Industry reports suggest auto thefts in Ontario and Quebec increased by 50 % since 2022
- 300% increased in Toronto