Scholars identify that criminals do not commit crimes at random which means that rational choices play a role in their decision to engage in criminal activity (Lab, 2016, p. 122). Rational choice represents the preference of a particular option based on its risks, his or her needs and the possible payoffs (Lab, 2016, p. 124). Rational choice means that criminals and people at large have the free will to choose what option to go for and which on to avoid. However free will is circumstantial as it will be affected by various factors. It means that human beings do not have absolute free will as they will often be limited to the available opportunities (Lab, 2016, p. 124). Even with limited free will, criminals will make the rational choice to choose one of the available options for them to engage in criminal activity.

The routine activities theory identify that how potential victims and criminals operate and interact is dependent on given movements and activities which often determine the occurrence or lack thereof of the crime (Lab, 2016, p. 123). The theory identifies three criteria that need to be present for any crime to occur. These are a suitable target, a motivated offender and the absence of a guardian (Lab, 2016, p. 123). The theory bases on the opportunity for one to offend which means that whenever the chance to engage in crime is present, the offender becomes motivated to engage. A suitable target is often dependent on the offender’s perception of their vulnerability. It means that there is a high chance of the crime occurring in the target seems vulnerable. The vulnerability is also influenced by the presence or absence of a guardian where a suitable guardian for the victim will prevent the crime from occurring while the lack of a guardian increases the possibility of the crime happening.

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