Flag Theory
Definition
The explanation that repeat victimisation arises because a target has stable characteristics, such as poor natural surveillance or weak security, that make it attractive to multiple offenders independently of one another.
- Domain
- Victimology, repeat victimisation
- Mechanism
- Stable target characteristics attract multiple independent offenders
- Example weaknesses
- Poor natural surveillance, weak security
- Contrasted with
- Boost theory (same offender returns)
Common questions
How does flag theory differ from boost theory of repeat victimisation?+
Flag theory attributes repeat victimisation to a target's persistent vulnerability that draws different offenders over time, while boost theory attributes it to the same offender returning because the earlier crime revealed the target was profitable or low-risk. The two are not mutually exclusive and can operate together in a single case series.
Why does distinguishing flag from boost theory matter for crime prevention?+
If repeat victimisation is flag-driven, prevention should target the site's underlying vulnerability, such as improving lighting or locks. If it is boost-driven, prevention should focus on offender-specific measures like rapid follow-up patrols after a first incident, since the same person is likely to return.
Related terms
- Boost Theory
- The explanation that repeat victimisation arises because the original offender returns, having gained operational knowledge of the target, its routines, and its...
- Hot Spot
- A small geographic area, sometimes as small as a single address or street segment, where crime concentrates at a rate substantially above...
- Lifestyle-Routine Activity Theory
- A framework that links individual victimisation risk to the daily routines and lifestyle choices that bring potential victims into proximity with motivated...
- Repeat Victimisation
- The empirical pattern in which a small proportion of people or locations experience a disproportionate share of violent incidents. Domestic violence shows...
- Series Victimisation
- A pattern in which a victim experiences multiple similar incidents so frequently that they cannot recall each one individually. Domestic abuse is...