How does the absence of one component impact the probability of a victimization event?

The absence of one component in the context of victimization refers to a crucial aspect such as a potential target's security measures, social presence, or the availability of suitable targets. When this component is absent, it can lead to a decrease in the likelihood of crime. For example, if potential offenders assess a situation and find that the risk associated with committing a crime is high due to the absence of a target, the likelihood of an offense occurring diminishes.

The principles of routine activity theory illustrate that for a crime to occur, three elements must converge: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of capable guardianship. If one of these elements is missing, particularly the suitable target or capable guardianship, the opportunity for crime is significantly reduced. Therefore, the absence of a critical component contributes directly to lowering the chances of victimization by removing or decreasing the feasibility of the crime being committed.