In simple terms, this theory states that a variety of motivated offenders subsist, and those offenders take advantage of unguarded and suitable targets (criminology book source). The routine activities theory focuses on the interaction between three variables: the presence of motivated offenders, the availability of suitable targets, and the absence of capable guardians. The existence of these three components increases the likelihood for a predatory crime to take place, as well as increasing the likelihood of victimization (criminology book …show more content…
First, it stresses the proximity to criminals. Salem, Oregon is an urban area. An urban area surrounds a city, and most of they areas are very developed. An urban area refers to towns, cities, and suburbs. The suburbs produce a set of routine activities that promote the risk of victimiation. “Since metropolitan areas provide a critical population mass, predatory criminals are better able to hide and evade apprehension” (criminology book source). Although the background of such acitivities in this case is unknown, as well as the relationship between the offenders and victim, it is likely they had a previous relationship. One can see this is true through the facts that the offenders were in the same age proximity, the offenders were looking for marijuana specifically, and they knew exactly who and where to get it