Routine activities theory is a criminological perspective that suggests criminal victimisation is most likely to occur when there is a convergence in time and space of three minimal elements: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of capable guardianship (such as police, security personnel, or even bystanders). This theory focuses on the situational factors that increase the risk of crime rather than on the motivations of offenders or broad social inequalities. A suitable target can be a person or object that is attractive to a potential offender, while capable guardianship refers to any factors that could prevent the crime from happening. The theory posits that changes in routine activities, such as people spending more time away from home or carrying valuable items in public, can influence crime rates by altering the opportunities for offenders to find suitable targets without the presence of guardians.