5. Explanation and theory5.1 Applied criminological theoriesFor the descriptions of criminological theories, we used the book “Against the Rules IV” (Lissenberg et al., 2006) and the notes taken during the lessons of this course. The articles “Criminological knowledge and its applicability” (Bovenkerk & Leuw, 2007) and “Opportunity makes the thief”. Practical theory for crime prevention” (Felson and Clarke, 1998). The essay “Physical Characteristics of the Environment and Burglary in Enschede” (Veld, 2009) was also used to describe criminological theories. All of these sources have been used interchangeably to explain and explain criminological theories. Theories used in current criminology are largely based on social scientific knowledge. Criminological approaches are based on: - the person of the perpetrator - the interaction between the perpetrator and his social environment - situational characteristics and d. characteristics of the society in which delinquency occurs (Bovenkerk & Leuw, 2007). Theories that can be applied to the crime of bicycle theft are: - the socio-ecological approach - the rational choice approach - the deterrence perspective - the situational approach - the opportunity theory - routine activity . approach As described in section 4.4.3, the well-known bicycle thieves in Meppel are accidental bicycle thieves and/or opportunistic thieves. A known bicycle thief is an addicted (bicycle) thief. All of the above criminological theories do not fit these categories of bike thieves. The most suitable theories are the rational choice approach and the routine activity approach.5.1.1 Rational ...... middle of article ......s. “People” must be able to monitor each other. - Access control: occurs "naturally" by selectively placing entrances and exits, fences, lighting or greenery that can help limit or control accessibility. used for a certain activity, which limits the presence of criminal and unwanted activities - Image/maintenance: it is an expression of ownership, maintaining a good image. Deterioration, or poor maintenance, is a sign that the intended users of an area do not have control over it. There is then a greater tolerance for disorder. - Target hardening: based on the security principle. The intention is to make it as difficult as possible for criminals and to deter them through security measures..