Abstract
Once motivated to commit a criminal act, the aggressor will look for favorable individual and situational factors in which to carry out the attack. The selection procedure is highly predictable and purposeful involving the right person who happens to be in the right place at the right time. Even when the criminal’s motivation appears to be highly illogical, their planning and execution may be highly rational. Once understood, potential targets can choose to take steps to protect themselves and avoid certain situations. Potential targets need to recognize that criminals prefer those who offer maximum gain, control, and access. They favor locations that minimize the risk of detection and situations that reduce contact with possible guardians.
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Kenny, J.F. (2020). Lurking in the Shadows: Stranger Danger and Target Selection. In: Hiding in Plain Sight. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-26867-1_4
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