Routine activities theory is a criminological theory that explains how crime occurs when three elements come together: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian. In the context of the video “Cyber crime spikes as online holiday shopping picks up,” the theory is illustrated by the increase in online shoppers (suitable targets) during the holidays, which attracts cybercriminals (motivated offenders). With many people shopping online and sometimes lacking strong security measures (capable guardians), the conditions are come together perfectly for cybercrime. A lot of money is spent during the holidays so the opportunity is all there.