ABSTRACT
Routine activity theory begins by stating the importance of understanding the spatial component of crime patterns put forth by the Chicago School. In its original formulation, routine activity theory considered only direct-contact predatory violations in which the offender and the victim or target were tangible; subsequent development of the theory, however, has extended it to other violations that include white-collar crime. As developed, routine activity theory was an aggregate-level theory that sought to explain societal changes in crime rates. One aspect of routine activity theory that has gone relatively untested is the concept of capable guardianship, or the lack thereof. Capable guardians have the ability to prevent a crime from occurring, playing an important role in routine activity theory. Reynald has investigated this dimension of routine activity theory through the concept of guardianship in action. In sum, routine activity theory is a simple theory to understand, but contains many complex ideas that are still undergoing refinement.
