Routine Activity Theory Case Study

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Texas State University, San Marcos has a notorious reputation as being a party school. The growth of the University has seen increases in the student population in San Marcos, Texas with many students living in off-campus rented accommodation. The increase in the student population has significantly changed the dynamics of the Sagewood neighbourhood with fifty-two, three bedroom duplexes being rented by university students. The Sagewood neighbourhood now consists of single family residences with a high rate of homeownership and duplexes rented by students. Differences in age and lifestyle between the resident home owners and student renters has contributed to increased complaints of noise in the area, mostly from late night …show more content…

The premise of routine activity theory moves away from the suggestion that crime is caused by social impacts such as unemployment, inequality and low socio economic status, and rather looks at crime occurring when there is a convergence of a motivated offender, a suitable target and a lack of suitable guardians (Cohen & Felson, 2010). Routine activity theory focuses on trends in behaviour, and asserts that crime is specific to space and time (Williams, 2012). Routine activity theory looks at the differing risks that different locations possess, and the correlation between different lifestyles and victimisation (Cohen & Felson, 1979). By identifying the factors that can influence a person or a place being at an increased risk of victimisation, it may be possible to educate residents, increase the number of capable guardians and apply strategies to reduce crime by utilising law enforcement and increasing guardianship (Cullen & Wilcox, …show more content…

Although broken windows theory is based on disorder, this can be further broken down to social disorder and physical disorder (Wilson & Kelling, (2010). Social disorder refers to the violation of social norms, such as drug dealing and prostitution and physical disorder relates to the overall appearance of the area, such as overgrown lawns, rubbish, and vandalism. The lack of local social control can lead to residents fearing victimisation within their neighbourhood; the same lack of social control can also attract offenders to the area. The authors of broken windows theory believed that early intervention from police was a crucial factor in the prevention of more serious crime occurring in these neighbourhoods (Wilson & Kelling,

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