What does the routine activity theory, proposed by Felson (2002), require for a crime to occur?

Routine activity theory, developed by Lawrence Cohen and Marcus Felson, posits that for a crime to occur, three elements must converge: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian. The correct answer emphasizes the necessity of a suitable target, which pertains to the idea that certain individuals, objects, or places attract criminal activity based on their vulnerability or accessibility.

When discussing suitable targets, it refers not only to physical items like homes or cars that can be stolen but also to individuals who may be viewed as easy prey. The theory asserts that when these targets are present in an environment without effective guardianship—such as police presence, security measures, or oversight—there is an increased likelihood of crime occurring.

The other elements of the routine activity theory include criminal motivation, which does not need to be lacking for crimes to occur, and the importance of guardianship, which should ideally be present to prevent criminal activity. Law enforcement plays a role but is not the sole determinant under routine activity theory, which focuses more on situational factors than broader social controls. Hence, understanding the presence of a suitable target is crucial in the context of this theory.