The holidays aren’t always merry and bright. Crimes around the holidays can ruin them, whether you’ve been a victim of a crime or accused of one. Desperation, stress, and properties left unattended to while the owners are on vacation can all contribute to crime rates over the holiday season. However, not all types of crimes increase over the holidays. Here’s what you need to know about crimes around the holiday season.

What Is The Worst Time Of Year For Crime?

Contrary to what one may believe, the holiday season is not the worst time for crime as a whole. Different times of year are worse for different types of crime. Violent crimes are generally higher during the warmer months and lower during the winter months. Property-related crimes tend to increase during the holiday season and over the summer months. Different seasons and commonalities with them impact crime rates due to how they impact human behavior.

What Crimes Increase Around The Holidays?

According to reports from the National Crime Victimization Survey, personal larceny and robbery increase by approximately 20% during the last month of the year. Some of the most common crimes around the holidays include:

Shoplifting

Already a common crime, shoplifting rates spike around the holidays. Some people may take items that they cannot afford while others may forget about items in their cart. Depending on how much the shoplifted items are valued at, shoplifting can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. 

Cyber Crimes

With an increase in online shopping, there’s also an increase in cyber crimes. Identity theft and fraud are among the most common cyber crimes around the holidays. Many scams appear that can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from normal holiday sales. With an increased use of credit and debit cards, identity theft increases too. 

DUI

During the holidays, people can drink more than normal, either due to celebrating with loved ones or due to stress. New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest nights for DUI arrests in the United States.  

Domestic Violence

While domestic violence rates are usually highest during the summer, they can spike during the holiday season. Emotions run high around the holidays, which can lead to an increase in domestic violence cases. 

While these types of crimes can increase during the holidays, other crimes, like murder, typically do not. 

What Drives People To Crimes Around The Holidays?

Criminal charges can follow you throughout your life, which helps to prevent crimes, to an extent. Some people may be driven to crime out of desperation, while others see an opportunity and take it.

Some common factors that lead people to commit crimes around the holidays include:

Desperation

The holidays are a time for gift-giving, and not everyone can afford to give their loved ones gifts. This can cause people to resort to theft and other types of crimes in order to be able to provide their families with what they want or need.

Increased Opportunity

Stores are bustling around the holidays, with many hiring on seasonal help to assist with increased demand. Credit and debit card activity spike online during online shopping. People may see this increase in activity as an opportunity to do something they otherwise wouldn’t.

Stress

Stress can cause people to do all sorts of different things. Increased volatility can lead to disputes that lead to criminal charges, especially if substances are involved. 

Impaired Judgment

Either from high emotions or consumption of substances, impaired judgment can cause people to do or say things that can lead to an arrest. 

There are many different factors that can cause people to commit crimes. Understanding the potential consequences of such actions can help to deter crime. If you have been arrested for crimes around the holidays, it’s important to obtain legal representation as soon as possible. 

Have You Been Accused Of Crimes Around The Holidays?

Kaufman, Nichols, & Kaufman provides criminal defense services to defend you. Whether you have been falsely accused or you made a mistake, criminal charges can be devastating. 

Regardless of whether you are facing a felony or a misdemeanor, our criminal defense attorneys are here to defend you, both now and in the future. We’re here to protect your freedoms and fight for you to achieve the best possible resolution of your case – even if you have a prior record. 

Contact us to discuss your case and review the options available to you.