The everyday activities that bind for crime: Investigating the process of routine activities theory at specific places

Abstract

This dissertation explores why and how crime events routinely occur at specific places in high crime areas, such as street blocks, addresses, street corners, and intersections. Specifically, this dissertation considers what human activities, behaviors, routines, and situations contribute to crime occurring at these places. Routine activities theory and environmental criminology suggest that crime is a process resulting from the convergence of the daily human routines of offenders, targets, and guardians (or lack thereof). Furthermore, these opportunities for crime are sustained, enhanced, or limited based on surrounding physical and environmental features of where crimes occur.