The CRAVED model in criminology describes six key attributes—Concealable, Removable, Available, Valuable, Enjoyable, and Disposable—that make items attractive to thieves.
Understanding the CRAVED Model
The CRAVED model, developed by Ronald V. Clarke in 1999, helps explain why criminals target certain items over others. It is an acronym that outlines six key characteristics that make an object desirable for theft:
- Concealable – Easy to hide from detection.
- Removable – Simple to take and transport.
- Available – Readily accessible.
- Valuable – Worth stealing due to financial or personal value.
- Enjoyable – Attractive or desirable for personal use.
- Disposable – Easy to sell or trade.
Clarke, a pioneer in situational crime prevention, introduced the CRAVED model to better understand theft patterns, particularly in property crimes. His work builds on rational choice theory, which suggests that criminals weigh risks and rewards before committing crimes. By examining the characteristics of frequently stolen items, law enforcement and policymakers can develop strategies to reduce theft.
Origins of the CRAVED Model
The CRAVED model emerged from Clarke’s research into property crimes, particularly the theft of consumer goods. He observed that certain items—such as smartphones, jewelry, and vehicles—were consistently targeted. By analyzing common factors among stolen objects, he identified six attributes that make them appealing to criminals.
Clarke’s model is rooted in rational choice theory, which argues that offenders make calculated decisions based on perceived risks and rewards. If an item is easy to steal and valuable enough to justify the risk, it becomes a prime target. CRAVED helps explain why theft is not random but follows predictable patterns.
The model is also linked to routine activity theory, developed by Lawrence Cohen and Marcus Felson in 1979. This theory states that crimes occur when three elements converge: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of capable guardians. The CRAVED model specifically addresses the “suitable target” aspect by identifying what makes an item more attractive to thieves.
Breakdown of CRAVED Attributes
Concealable
An item is more likely to be stolen if it can be easily hidden. Small items, such as wallets, smartphones, and jewelry, are popular targets because thieves can slip them into a pocket or bag without drawing attention. Concealability reduces the risk of detection, both during and after the theft.
Removable
The ease of taking an item also plays a crucial role. If an object is bulky, heavy, or securely fastened, it is less attractive to thieves. For example, bicycles are frequently stolen because they are relatively easy to take, especially if they are not locked properly. Similarly, cars without security systems or parked in unmonitored areas are more vulnerable.
Available
Availability refers to how accessible an item is to potential offenders. Items left unattended in public places or displayed in storefronts without proper security measures are at higher risk. The presence of desirable products in easily reachable locations increases the likelihood of theft. For instance, a smartphone left on a café table is an easy target.
Valuable
Criminals prefer items that are worth stealing. The higher the monetary or sentimental value of an object, the more attractive it is. Expensive electronics, designer clothing, and luxury watches are frequently stolen because they fetch high resale prices. However, perceived value also matters—some items may not be expensive but are still targeted because they are in high demand.
Enjoyable
Some items are stolen because they are desirable for personal use. For example, video game consoles, fashionable sneakers, and high-end handbags may not always have the highest resale value, but they are enjoyable to the thief. This aspect of CRAVED highlights that not all thefts are purely profit-driven—some criminals steal for personal gratification.
Disposable
An item’s ability to be quickly sold or traded makes it more attractive. If a stolen item has a large resale market or can be exchanged for cash, drugs, or other goods, it becomes a prime target. Smartphones, for example, are highly disposable because they can be resold online, in pawn shops, or through underground markets. Items with unique serial numbers or tracking technology, on the other hand, are harder to dispose of, making them less appealing.
Real-World Applications of CRAVED
The CRAVED model is widely used in crime prevention strategies. By understanding what makes items attractive to thieves, individuals, businesses, and law enforcement agencies can take proactive steps to reduce theft.
Retail Theft Prevention
Retailers use the CRAVED model to secure high-risk merchandise. Stores often place valuable and easily removable items, such as electronics and jewelry, in locked display cases. Security tags and alarms also deter shoplifting. Additionally, limiting the availability of certain products—such as storing expensive perfumes behind counters—reduces theft opportunities.
Vehicle Security
Car theft is a common crime, and the CRAVED model explains why certain vehicles are more frequently stolen. Older models without modern security features, cars with high resale value, and popular brands are prime targets. Anti-theft measures, such as steering wheel locks, GPS tracking, and immobilizers, make vehicles less appealing to criminals.
Personal Theft Protection
Individuals can protect themselves from theft by considering the CRAVED factors. For example:
- Keeping valuables concealed while in public reduces theft risk.
- Using locks, alarms, and tracking devices makes items harder to steal and dispose of.
- Avoiding leaving valuable items unattended limits their availability.
Law Enforcement Strategies
Police use the CRAVED model to identify theft trends and implement crime prevention measures. Target-hardening strategies, such as increased surveillance and improved street lighting, make it more difficult for criminals to access valuable items. Public awareness campaigns also educate individuals on protecting their belongings.
Limitations of the CRAVED Model
While the CRAVED model is a useful tool in understanding theft, it has some limitations. Not all stolen items fit the model perfectly. For instance, some crimes are motivated by necessity rather than rational decision-making. Additionally, highly valuable but non-disposable items (such as fine art) are still targeted, despite not being easy to sell.
Moreover, the model focuses primarily on property crimes and does not fully address violent crimes or cybercrime, where different factors influence criminal behavior. Nonetheless, CRAVED remains an essential framework for analyzing theft patterns and developing prevention strategies.
Conclusion
The CRAVED model provides a clear explanation of why criminals target specific items. By breaking down theft patterns into six key factors—Concealable, Removable, Available, Valuable, Enjoyable, and Disposable—criminologists, law enforcement, and policymakers can create effective strategies to reduce property crime. Whether through improved security measures, public awareness campaigns, or technological advancements, understanding CRAVED helps make high-risk items less attractive to thieves.
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Last Modified: 02/23/2025