Routine Activities Theory And Routine Activity Theory

In addition, routine activity theory proposes that in order for a successful crime to occur, there are three significant components that need to be present; as Felson (1987, p.911) notes, “a likely offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian against crime.” Farrell & Hodgkinson (2015) mention that a likely offender is, any individual in the society who can be tempted to commit a crime during a situation. Furthermore, they add a suitable target is a human being who goes through their daily lives and becomes a target for the offender. Additionally, they describe the absence of a capable guardian involves around the idea of, one lacking the protection of an individual who is capable of protecting the victim from being victimized.

Furthermore, Farrell & Hodgkinson (2015) mention that there is a correlation between rational choice theory and routine activity theory, in terms of a suitable target and capable guardianship. For instance, they describe if there happens to be a highly suitable target and lack of guardianship, then the offender is more inclined to make a rational choice of committing the act since, the benefits out-weigh the costs. Similarly, they add if the target is not as suitable and/or there is a presence of a capable guardianship, then the offender is less inclined to make a rational choice of committing a crime since, the costs indeed out-weigh the perceived benefits. In brief, Farrell & Hodgkinson describe the presence of the three elements of routine activity theory allow offenders to rationalize their choices before committing a felony.