Suitable Target
Definition
In routine activity theory, a target whose value, inertia, visibility, and access (VIVA) make it attractive to an offender. Portable, valuable, and unguarded items or persons are most suitable. Reducing suitability is a core prevention technique.
- Theory
- Routine activity theory
- VIVA criteria
- Value, inertia, visibility, access
- Prevention approach
- Reduce target suitability
Common questions
How does inertia make something more or less of a suitable target?+
Inertia refers to the physical weight or bulk of an item; a small, light object such as a phone or jewellery is easier to carry away than a heavy appliance, so it scores higher on suitability. Reducing inertia deliberately, such as bolting equipment down, is one recognised prevention tactic.
How is suitable target different from the other elements of routine activity theory?+
Routine activity theory requires three elements to converge for a crime: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian. Suitable target describes only the attractiveness of the person or property itself, separate from the offender's motivation or whether anyone is watching.
Related terms
- Capable Guardian
- Any person or mechanism whose presence deters an offence. Guardians include neighbours, bystanders, CCTV, lighting, and patrols. Presence alone is sufficient: the...
- Crime Triangle
- A visual tool, also called the problem analysis triangle, showing the three routine activity elements as the sides of a triangle. An...
- Rational Choice Theory
- A criminological theory, associated with Cornish and Clarke, that treats offending as purposive behaviour: offenders assess the rewards, costs, risks, and effort...
- Routine Activity Theory
- A criminological framework developed by Cohen and Felson (1979) that explains property crime as the product of three converging elements: a motivated...
- Situational Crime Prevention
- A prevention approach, developed by Clarke, that uses opportunity-reduction techniques to make specific crimes harder, riskier, less rewarding, or less excusable. It...