Target. The theoretical review is intended to serve as a reference for research on "characterization of criminogenic environments in the city of Armenia Quindío" Methodology. We proceed to carry out a search, review and analysis of documents to address concepts and central aspects of the aforementioned research. Thematic development. The review addresses background and history of criminology and crime, definitions of criminology, crime, social security and control, urban planning, criminological psychology, causes of criminal behavior, theories of crime and criminogenic environment. Conclusions. Concepts are exposed as a reference for the objectives of the research. For the development of the study, criminal behavior is explained from the theory of routine activity and the ecological theory of crime, describing the characteristics of the environment where criminal behavior occurs.