Final answer:
Routine activities theory suggests that crime occurs when there is a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian.
Step-by-step explanation:
Routine activities theory emphasizes that for a crime to occur, three elements must be present: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian. This theory is part of a broader sociological approach to understanding crime and deviance within a community. It suggests that criminal acts are less likely to occur when a potential target is sufficiently protected by someone or something capable of preventing the offense, such as law enforcement, community watch programs, or even physical barriers like locks and alarms.