Routine activity theory: Difference between revisions

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In Routine Activity Theory, the term 'target' is preferred over the term 'victim', as they might not be present at the scene of the crime. For example, an owner of a television might be away from their home when a burglar decides to target the television for stealing. The television is the target and the owner's absence indicates the absence of a capable guardian, thereby making the crime more likely according to the theory.<ref>https://popcenter.asu.edu/sites/default/files/opportunity_makes_the_thief.pdf page 5</ref> A suitable target is any type of individual or property that the motivated offender can damage or threaten in the easiest way possible.<ref name="Encyclopedia of Theoretical Criminology" /> If a target is suitable, this means that there is a greater chance that the crime can be committed, rather than, a target that is hard to achieve. The acronym VIVA provides four different attributes of what makes a target actually suitable, in the judgement of the offender.<ref name="Encyclopedia of Theoretical Criminology" /> The acronym goes as follows:

: '''V: Value''' (The value of achieving the target, in a real or symbolic manner)<ref name="Encyclopedia of Theoretical Criminology" />

: '''I: Inertia''' (The physical obstacles of the target: weight, height, strength, etc.)<ref name="Encyclopedia of Theoretical Criminology" />

: '''V: Visibility''' (The attribute of exposure which solidifies the suitability of the target)<ref name="Encyclopedia of Theoretical Criminology" />

: '''A: Access''' (The placement of the individual, or object, that increases, or lessens, the potential risk of the intended attack)<ref name="Encyclopedia of Theoretical Criminology" />

===Absence of a suitable guardian===