Understanding the Connection Between Crime and the Holidays

Hollywood has glorified the connection between the holiday season and crime with countless films that detail the correlation. The truth is that while some types of crime rates hold steady between Thanksgiving and Christmas, statistics from law enforcement agencies demonstrate a proven increase in crimes such as fraud, robbery, larceny, and identity theft.

Psychological studies have also backed up the connection between crime and the holidays. But why is this? Here are a few reasons why some types of crime tend to surge during what should be the most wonderful time of the year, as well as good strategies to protect yourself from becoming a victim of crime.

More Available Time

It is not unusual for crime rates to tick up when more people have time off from work, school, and other responsibilities. For instance, crime rates are naturally higher on Fridays and Saturdays. There is a noticeable spike in crime during the summer months when people have more idle time.

Similarly, the holiday season also ushers in heightened levels of criminal activity. Law enforcement experts blame the fact that people become bored with more time on their hands for the increase in crime during time off.

Increased Rates of Stress and Depression

It is no secret that the holidays are a stressful time. The pressure to pull off the perfect holiday can trigger mental health challenges. The holiday season can also be sad and lonely for people who have experienced loss. Studies have shown that increased levels of stress and depression also lead to excessive alcohol consumption. Increased levels of social drinking inherently lowers inhibitions, resulting in more frequent altercations and reckless driving.

Putting aside more serious mental health challenges during this stressful time of the year, the holidays also make people distracted. It is much easier for criminals to prey on frazzled shoppers or those who may be distracted by the merriment. All of these factors can increase the risk of both impulsive and premeditated criminal behavior.

Pressure to Give

Some people feel tremendous pressure to purchase gifts and host elaborate events over the holidays. This pressure to spend money often leads to desperation. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), rates of property crimes such as burglary jump by 22% during the holiday season. Many of these criminals later say that they committed theft or fraud in an effort to meet the financial demands of the season.

The combination of desperation and the availability of more crimes of opportunities makes it more tempting to take illegal action. For instance, it is more tempting to engage in pickpocketing activity in crowded stores where it is more difficult to detect. The National Association for Shoplifting Prevention recently detailed that incidents of shoplifting increase by 20% during the holidays. Crowded stores provide easier cover for criminals to snatch purses or pickpocket distracted shoppers trying to check things off their list.

How to Protect Yourself Against Crime Over the Holidays

Although you cannot completely put yourself in a bubble to limit your exposure to crime, there are steps that you can take to mitigate these risks. If your holiday plans are taking you away from home, it is particularly important to take care to secure your house. Good strategies include leaving a light on inside or setting timers for both indoor and outdoor lights. Also, be sure to make sure that all of the doors and windows are locked and secure. Law enforcement authorities recommend asking a trusted neighbor to collect your mail and packages.

'Tis the season for more spending. This means that you are likely using your credit card more often. Take care not to flash the card in public where others can see the digits. It is also smart to limit the amount of cash that you carry.

Thieves tend to watch people visiting stores and leaving valuable items in their cars. This makes the holidays a prime time for opportunistic crimes.  Being diligent about hiding bags in trunks rather than on seats and securely locking vehicles can go a long way in deterring crime.

Simply being aware of your surroundings in crowded places is also a good line of defense. Lastly, this is a good reminder to exercise good judgment and avoid becoming involved in altercations by drinking in moderation.

Following these strategies will decrease the odds that you become a victim of crime during the holiday season.

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