Routine activities theory contends that criminal victimization
is increased when motivated offenders and
suitable targets converge. It goes without saying that
you cannot have car theft without automobiles, but the
greater availability of more valuable automobiles to
potential thieves heightens the likelihood that such a
crime will occur. Campus and airport parking lots,
where vehicles may be left in isolated locations for long
periods of time, represent a new target for crime
unknown just a generation ago. Routine activity of
this nature can occur even in the home. For example,
adults may save money by buying 24-packs of beer, but
buying in bulk also allows juveniles to siphon off contents
without attracting attention to their “crime.” The
theory derives its name of “routine” from the fact that
the elements of a criminal or deviant act come together
in normal, legal, and routine activities.