Routine Activity Theory suggests that deviant acts are more prone to occur when motivated offenders, suitable crime targets, and the absence of capable guardians coincide in both time and space. The likelihood of this convergence is influenced by an individual's routine activities (Gottfredson, Cross, & Soule, 2007, p.294). A study conducted by Barnes and colleagues (2007) to test routine activity theory found a highly significant association between the amount of time spent with peers and various behaviors, including heavy drinking, cigarette smoking, illicit drug use, delinquency, and sexual activity. The literature on the temporal patterns of juvenile crime has sparked debates. Some research exploring the timing of delinquency by crime type has indicated that unsupervised juveniles are more inclined to commit property crimes during the hours before or after school. Conversely, when juveniles are at school, surrounded by other young people, they are more likely to engage in violent crimes against individuals.
If you're interested in gaining a broader perspective, these two articles can be a valuable resource for further exploration and research. Gottfredson, D. C., Cross, A., & Soulé, D. A. (2007). Distinguishing characteristics of effective and ineffective after-school programs to prevent delinquency and victimization. Criminology & Public Policy, 6(2), 289-318.
Barnes, G. M., Hoffman, J. H., Welte, J. W., Farrell, M. P., & Dintcheff, B. A. (2007). Adolescents’ time use: Effects on substance use, delinquency and sexual activity. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 36(5), 697-710.
