Is Crime Seasonal?
As the weather changes across NEPA, it had us considering the seasonality of crime. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, there is reason to believe that crime is actually seasonal. In a study of violent and property crime victimization in the United States from 1993 to 2010, it was determined that at certain times each year, we can anticipate seeing a rise and decline in some forms of crime.
Seasonal Crime Patterns
The study examined patterns of violent and household property victimization in the United States including burglary, motor vehicle theft, and household larceny as well as rape and sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault.
Results found that seasonal patterns existed in larceny and burglary, with summer months experiencing higher rates of crime. Other patterns include:
- Motor vehicle theft was lower in the spring than in the summer, with few differences between summer, fall, and winter rates.
- Aggravated assault rates were highest during the summer.
- Simple assault rates were highest during the fall, especially for college and high school-aged students returning to the classroom.
- Summer months tended to be the safest for that particular group of people.
- Rape and sexual assault victimizations tended to be higher during summer.
- Intimate partner violence was higher during the summer than during the winter, spring, and fall.
In addition, for any seasonal variations in violent victimization, the difference between rates was less than 12 percent.
However, there were some crimes that did not exhibit any seasonal variations including robbery, which did not exhibit seasonal variations.
While determining why these crime patterns exist is up to interpretation–be it holiday travel, work-life stressors, changes in temperature causing behavioral changes, etc., these trends are critical to be mindful of.
Seasonality of Crime: Criminal Defense by Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam
Though these trends are a reflection of activity across the United States, it is important to realize how they can impact us at a local level. And part of that is knowing how to defend yourself should you be accused of a crime.
The criminal defense attorneys of Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam can help you navigate criminal trials, ensuring you get your fair shot at a hearing. In addition, if this is your first charge, you may qualify for the ARD program.
You have a right to justice. Let us help.
Contact the NEPA criminal defense attorneys of Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam today for a free consultation.
