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Applying routine activity theory to cybercrime: A theoretical and empirical analysis

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal articlepeer-review

Published
  • Eric Leukfeldt
  • Majid Yar
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<mark>Journal publication date</mark>3/03/2016
<mark>Journal</mark>Deviant Behavior
Issue number3
Volume37
Number of pages18
Pages (from-to)263-280
Publication StatusPublished
Early online date19/01/16
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

The central question of this article is whether routine activity theory (RAT) can be used as an analytical framework to study cybercrimes. Both a theoretical analysis and an analysis of empirical studies have thus far failed to provide a clear answer. The multivariate analysis presented in this article tries to avoid some of the limitations of other RAT-based studies. Based on a large sample (N= 9,161), the effects of value, visibility, accessibility, and guardianship on victimization of six cybercrimes have been studied. Analysis shows some RAT elements are more applicable than others. Visibility clearly plays a role within cybercrime victimization. Accessibility and personal capable guardianship show varying
results. Value and technical capable guardianship show almost no effects on cybercrime victimization.