Rational choice theory is a criminological theory that assumes that humans are reasoning actors who weigh means and ends, costs and benefits, in order to make a rational choice). This theory asserts that crime is a result of calculated decision making, and that criminals consider their decisions before they commit a crime. Rational choice theory was designed to assist in thinking about situational crime prevention).

Some key points about rational choice theory in criminology include:

• Bounded/Limited Rationality: Many offenders make decisions based on bounded/limited rationality, meaning that their cognitive ability and information are limited, resulting in limited reasoning for the offender.

• Crime-Specific: Rational choice theory insists that crime is calculated and deliberate, and that all criminals are rational actors who practice conscious decision making that simultaneously works towards gaining the maximum benefits of their present situation). However, it is important to note that environmental cues for one crime differ from those of another crime, and that rational choices for each type of crime are independent from all others.

• Situational Crime Prevention: Rational choice crime prevention methodology focuses on an offender’s decision-making process, thus providing a framework within which to prevent crime through deterrence. This methodology analyses the offender’s perspective and how they use the environment, rather than just looking at what motivated the offender.

Rational choice theory is different from many other criminological theories because it does not focus on the motivations that lead offenders into crime. Instead, it focuses on how opportunities shape crime and how offenders make decisions, and these factors, in turn, can lead to concrete ways to prevent crimes from occurring.