Legal Definitions - routine-activities theory

Definition: Routine-activities theory is a theory that explains why criminal acts occur. According to this theory, a crime happens when three things come together:

1. A person wants to commit a crime (motivation)
2. A victim is available and vulnerable
3. There is not enough protection to prevent the crime from happening

For example, if someone wants to steal a bike, they will look for a bike that is easy to steal (vulnerable victim) and there are no security measures in place (insufficient protection). If all three things come together, the crime is more likely to happen.

Another example could be a burglar who wants to break into a house. They will look for a house that is easy to break into (vulnerable victim) and there are no security systems or guards (insufficient protection).

These examples illustrate how routine-activities theory works. It shows that crime is not just about the criminal's motivation, but also about the victim and the environment. By understanding these factors, we can work to prevent crime from happening.