From the perspective of criminal psychology, thieves usually consider a series of factors when choosing the target of the crime to minimize their own risks and increase the likelihood of successful crime. Here are some common factors： ### 1. **Target accessibility** -**Physical obstacles**: Thieves tend to choose targets that do not have physical obstacles (such as high walls, locks, alarm systems, etc.). Places that are easy to enter (such as unlocked doors and windows) are more likely to be targeted. -**Surveillance and security**: Locations that lack surveillance cameras, security personnel, or other security measures are easier to choose. ### 2. **Target visibility** -**Concealment**: Thieves usually choose locations that are not easy to be seen by passers-by or neighbors to reduce the risk of being discovered. For example, a house or shop located in a remote area. -**Light conditions**: It is easier to be a target at night or in dimly lit places because thieves can better hide themselves. ### 3. **Easy access to the target** -**The value and portability of items**: Thieves tend to choose those items of high value and easy to carry, such as cash, jewelry, electronic equipment, etc. -**Liquidity of items**: Highly liquid items (such as mobile phones and laptop computers) are easier to change hands in the market, so they are more favored by thieves. ### 4. **Predictability of goals** -**Daily rules**: The thief may observe the daily activities of the target and choose to commit the crime when the target is not at home or in the store. For example, when there is no one at home during the day on weekdays. -**Safety habits**: The target's safety habits (such as whether to lock the door frequently and whether to install an alarm system) will also affect the thief's choice. ### 5. **Legal and law enforcement risks** -**Law enforcement density**: Thieves may choose areas with weak law enforcement or insufficient police force to commit crimes to reduce the risk of being arrested. -**Legal consequences**: The thief may weigh the potential legal consequences of different targets and choose those with lighter consequences once discovered. ### 6. **Psychological factors** -**Familiarity**: Thieves are more inclined to choose the environment or target they are familiar with, because the familiar environment can reduce the tension and uncertainty during the crime. -**Ethical boundaries**: Some thieves may choose targets that they consider “morally acceptable”, such as large chain stores rather than small-scale stores. ### 7. **Social factors** -**Community relations**: Thieves may choose areas where community relations are loose or there is a lack of interaction between neighbors, because in these places, residents may be less likely to pay attention to or report suspicious activities. -**Economic situation**: Thieves may choose areas with better economic conditions because these places are more likely to have high-value items. ### 8. **Technical factors** -**Technical obstacles**: Thieves may avoid targets with advanced technological protection (such as smart locks, fingerprint recognition, etc.) because these technologies increase the difficulty and risk of committing crimes. -**Network monitoring**: In cyber theft, thieves may choose systems or platforms with weak network security measures. ### 9. **Psychological satisfaction** -**Stimulation and challenge**: Some thieves may choose goals that they find challenging to obtain psychological satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. ### 10. **Emergency preparedness** -**Escape route**: Thieves usually plan their escape route after committing the crime in advance, choosing those locations with multiple exits or convenient transportation in order to escape quickly after committing the crime. By considering these factors comprehensively, the thief tries to minimize the risk of being discovered, arrested, or punished during the crime. Understanding these factors helps to develop more effective preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of theft.