Theories of crime seek to explain why individuals engage in criminal behavior. These theories can be broadly categorized into biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives. For instance, biological theories suggest that genetic factors may predispose certain individuals to criminality, while psychological theories focus on mental health issues or personality traits that influence behavior. Sociological theories examine the impact of social structures, such as poverty, family dynamics, and peer influence, on crime rates. The strain theory posits that societal pressures can lead individuals to commit crimes when they feel unable to achieve success through legitimate means. Understanding these theories helps in developing effective crime prevention strategies.