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Applying Routine Activity Theory to Cybercrime

A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis

Bibliographic Data

ID2152829
AuthorsRutger Leukfeldt (0000-0002-3051-0859, NHL University of Applied Sciences, corresponding author), Eric Rutger Leukfeldt, Majid Yar (0000-0002-5680-3801, University of Hull)
Year2016
Volume37
Issue3
Pages263-280
Publication date2016-03-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueDeviant Behavior (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0163-9625 • E-ISSN: 1521-0456
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/01639625.2015.1012409
OpenAlexW2282632211
LanguageEN
Citations received129
References cited22

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

Computer security · Criminology · Cybercrime · Empirical research · Geography · Internet privacy · Legal guardian · Machine learning · Political science · Sample (material · Statistics · The Internet · Value (mathematics · Visibility · World Wide Web · Computer Science · Crime Patterns and Interventions · Crime, Illicit Activities, and Governance · Cybercrime and Law Enforcement Studies · Law · Mathematics · Psychology

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Unique citing works129
Citations per year12,9
Citation span2016 - 2026 (11)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedYes
Citation typesNeutral: 126
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