By focusing on the opportunities that make crime possible, routine activities theory suggests many crime fighting policies. Unlike many other criminological theories, routine activities theory is not interested in rehabilitation policies or in addressing the social roots of crime. Instead, it is mostly interested in eliminating crime opportunities by changing certain aspects of the physical environment so that offenders have a harder time breaking the law.

Routine activities theorists hope to reduce crime through the following three measures:

1. Increase the effort needed to commit a crime

   This might include encouraging people to install better locks on their doors, installing buzzers in the lobby of apartment buildings, or building higher fences around their property. This is done through the concept of defensible space, which says that crime can be prevented through various architectural designs.

2. Increase the risk of attempting to commit a crime

   Criminals naturally want to minimize the risk of being detected. However, by installing surveillance cameras, burglar alarms, or hiring security guards, homes and business can improve the chance of a crime being detected and deter criminals. This can also be done with crime discouragers, or people who guard targets or monitor potential offenders, like parole officers or parents.

3. Reduce the rewards of crime

   To do this, individuals and business are encouraged to limit the amount of cash on their person or in storage, to mark and register their property, and conceal their valuables. These measures will reduce the reward of the crime for criminals.