Respond to a criminology and criminal justice problem with short essay answers (350 - 400words).

Response is required to take the provided problem and apply the given theoretical framework for explaining the occurrence of that problem and recommendations for solutions.

Scenario

During 2020 and 2021 Victoria communities were subject to a range of mandatory health directions aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19. This included the closure of schools, work from home orders, and at various times the closure or imposition of operating restrictions on a range of businesses. Similar restrictions were imposed in other Australian and international jurisdictions.

We are increasingly seeing research on changing crime rates that occurred during that period.

How does routine activity theory help us to understand the changing rates of violent crime and property crime that were observed during COVID lockdowns?