Summer Crime Rates: Does Crime Take a Summer Vacation, Too?

Think criminals take a summer vacation, too? Think again. Crime rates increase between six and sixteen percent, depending on the crime. So what makes June, July and August so different from the rest of the year for criminals? Learn what you need to know to help protect yourself!

The FBI says that all crimes rise about 10% during summer months, with murder raising about 16% and rape and other violent crimes increase by about 13%. In other words, almost all crimes increase during June, July and August. Teenagers get into more trouble with drugs and alcohol, as well as become involved with theft and assault. Why? Summer break means that schools are out and kids have nothing to do. Some people think that the heat makes others get agitated more easily and over-react. Tourists are not the only ones becoming victims, but residents as well. The heat causes people to forget about common sense safety and precautions such as locking doors and windows of homes and cars. While vacationers have a one-track mind of the beach, criminals have a one-track mind of getting into your house.

So what can you do to protect yourself and your family? Join your neighborhood watch program and inform your neighbors when you are leaving town and when you are coming back. Ask them to collect your mail and newspapers or have the postal service hold your mail until you return. Old newspapers and piled up mail in the mailbox is the number one sign for burglars that no one is home. You can also contact the local police department and let them know you are leaving, and ask for them to keep an eye out around your house. Make sure all of your house doors and windows are locked before leaving and double check them. When you're parked on vacation or just at the grocery store, roll your car windows all the way up and lock you doors. DOUBLE CHECK! Recently, my car war broken into and everything was stolen out of it because I locked and checked the driver side door only. Many vehicles need the lock button to be clicked twice in order to lock all four doors.

Every parents thinks their kids would never do such things as steal or rob, but do you think the parents of those kids that do believe it? Enroll your children in summer camps or organizations like the YMCA, Church Camp, or other program. Ask your chamber of commerce about summer activities for children. Make family time, invite the neighbor's and their children. There are a few organizations that are free for qualified families that have troublesome kids.