The Internet provides a new tool and environment for innovative criminals. Under the concepts of routine activity theory, it provides new opportunities for crimes to be committed and makes an expanded pool of potential victims more accessible to innovative criminals. For criminologists, this means envisioning the characteristics of new crimes and the characteristics of those criminals who may attempt to use the Internet as a tool to commit crimes. It also means becoming informed about the nature of current and also emerging computer-related technology that may shape future crimes. Further, attention must be given to how the technological innovations that create new opportunities for crime can also be used to prevent it. The Foresight Crime Panel sought to provide guidance in these areas. One of its recommendations is that funding be provided for the development of scientific and technological means of preventing envisioned forms of crime. A second recommendation is that a national electronic-crime ("e-crime") strategy be developed for all types of e-crime. The panel's third recommendation is that the wider impact of new technology on the criminal justice system be reviewed, including training, equipment, funding, coordination and consistency, and action to address identified issues. Another recommendation is that thinking on crime reduction be incorporated into the mainstream of the central government's decisionmaking. The final recommendation is that a program be developed to address crime at all stages of a product's life cycle. 19 references