The holidays are a time of celebration, giving, and togetherness, but they also bring a noticeable rise in criminal activity. Understanding this trend is especially important for rural communities, where tighter-knit neighbourhoods can be a key asset in preventing crime. We are sharing why crime increases during the holidays and what crimes are the most common during this time of the year. You’ll also find some tips on how to balance crime prevention with your holiday plans.
Types of Crime You’ll See During the Holiday Season
Theft and Burglary
The holiday season often means more valuables in our homes and vehicles, from stocking stuffers to high-ticket items purchased during holiday sales. Criminals are aware of the uptick in valuable items for them to steal, and they take advantage of it. While we may get caught up in holiday activities, we need to keep in mind the increased risk of theft.
In addition to home thefts, there has been a sharp rise in parcel and mail theft, especially during the holiday season when an increasing number of people go online to do their shopping. With so many packages being delivered, it's not uncommon for thieves to follow delivery trucks and snatch up delivered parcels left on doorsteps and even in mailboxes.
Fraud and Scams
It is the season of giving. More and more of us are going online to give to charities and to shop for gifts. Scammers exploit the holiday spirit with phishing emails, fake charity solicitations, and gift card offers that are too good to be true. These schemes prey on the goodwill that comes with the season and our drive for a deal.
Phishing emails are a common tactic used by fraudsters. These emails often mimic legitimate companies and organizations. They pressure you to click on links or provide personal information. You should screen any unsolicited emails and not click on links unless you are certain they are authentic.
Fake charity solicitations are also common during this time of the year. Scammers create convincing websites or social media accounts that appear to represent reputable organizations. They may pretend to be raising funds for causes, such as disaster relief or helping those in need during the holidays. To protect yourself, research charities before donating—look for official websites and reviews, and verify their legitimacy through trusted sources.
Another common scheme involves enticing offers for gift cards. Whether it's a significant discount on popular brands or an offer to get multiple gift cards for a fraction of the price, these deals can often be scams. Scammers use these tempting offers to steal your financial information or even trick you into purchasing gift cards as a form of payment for non-existent services.
Property Damage
There are Christmas decorations and unattended buildings ripe for vandals to target. Vandalism tends to increase when homes are left unoccupied during holiday travel and criminals have the opportunity to cause damage unnoticed. Acts of vandalism can include graffiti, broken windows, or other forms of destruction.
This rise in vandalism can have a ripple effect on the community, as not only are homes at risk, but community centers, religious buildings, and vehicles may also become targets.
Why Crime Rates Spike During the Holidays
Opportunity
During the holiday season, many people take trips to visit family and friends or are away from home to attend events and celebrations. Our homes are left unoccupied and vulnerable to criminals. Thieves often look for signs that a house is empty, such as unattended mail, unshoveled driveways, or lights that are off. An empty house has an increased risk of being targeted.
But it isn’t just our homes that we leave vulnerable to theft. As we load our vehicles with shopping bags and gifts, we are drawing attention. Parking lots and neighbourhoods become hotspots for thieves, who often watch for opportunities to strike. Leaving valuable items visible in the car can make it an easy target.
Distracted Behaviour
A whirlwind of activities makes it easy for security precautions to be overlooked. We find ourselves immersed in shopping trips, party planning, and family gatherings, leaving little time to think about keeping ourselves and our property safe. Simple steps like checking that our doors are locked or turning on security lights fall off our list.
Typically, we wouldn’t leave our valuables out in the open, but during the holidays, we put up decorations and leave beautifully wrapped gifts on display. This can attract unwanted attention from opportunistic thieves who may take advantage of the lax security to pilfer items that are easily accessible.
Financial Pressures
The financial strain of holiday gift-giving can drive some individuals to desperate measures such as theft, fraud, and other crimes. As people feel pressured to provide gifts for their loved ones, they may resort to criminal behaviours when they are unable to afford the added costs that come with the holidays.
The cold weather during the winter months adds another layer of financial stress for many. They might struggle to keep their homes warm and well-lit. This can lead to difficult choices, leaving individuals feeling they need to turn to crime.
Seasonal Darkness
With the sun setting earlier and rising later, there are extended periods of darkness that can create an ideal opportunity for criminal activities. The lack of sunlight makes it easier for criminals to remain undetected and to hide their identities.
During winter, the cold weather can lead to fewer people being out and about, which decreases the number of eyes keeping a lookout for criminal activity in our communities. It makes it easier for criminals to go unnoticed while committing theft, vandalism, or other crimes.
Tips for Protecting Your Home and Community
Home Security Tips
- Install security cameras, motion-sensor lights, and alarm systems to deter criminals.
- Use timers for indoor lights to create the illusion that someone is home.
- Lock your doors and windows in your home and vehicles.
- Keep your sidewalks shovelled or ask neighbours to help out if you are away to make it apparent someone is home.
- Store valuables away from windows and out of vehicles.
- Set up delivery alerts to monitor when packages arrive.
Community Involvement
- Join or establish a Rural Crime Watch chapter to strengthen local security efforts.
- Connect with neighbours to keep an eye out for one another.
- Share suspicious activity with neighbours to increase awareness.
Safe Online Practices
- Stay alert to phishing attempts by verifying the sender's identity before clicking on links or providing information.
- Check the legitimacy of charities before donating.
- Keep sensitive financial data private and secure.
- Don’t advertise any travel plans on social media.
Stay Safe and Celebrate with Peace of Mind
By remaining aware and working together, we can keep our communities safe during the holiday season. Protect your home with security measures, watch out for scams, and build relationships with your neighbours to create a united front against crime.
Together, we can ensure a joyous and secure holiday season for everyone.
Also, download the holiday safety checklist so crime prevention is easily added to your holiday to-dos.
Download the Holiday Checklist
November 28, 2024