Crime occurs year-round, but violent crimes tend to spike during the summer months.
A 2014 report from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) found that for nearly two decades, there have been seasonal trends in violent crime, with more people being victims of violent acts in June, July and August.
Specifically, the incidence of rape, sexual assault, and aggravated assault was higher in the summer than in other seasons.
According to the Department of Justice, rates of violence involving weapons and serious injury increased in the summer compared to the winter and spring.
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Several studies have found that violent crimes tend to increase in the summer, especially at night. (iStock)
“I think the problem in the summer is the baseline. The temperatures are already high, and we know that rising temperatures lead to increased crime. So it’s already high. And as temperatures rise further, crime will increase,” Dr. Josh Klapow, a psychologist and professor at the University of Alabama, previously told FOX Weather.
Several days of extreme heat and changes in daily life are two factors Klapow cited as contributing to the summer crime surge.
“We feel discomfort even before we actually feel the impact, and there are a number of distressing effects of the weather, including heat and dehydration,” Klapow told FOX Weather.
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“Our daily lives are different during the summer months and we are more likely to find ourselves in situations where crime is more likely to occur.”
Violent crime typically spikes during the summer months. (iStock)
Another study on the effect of heat on crime was conducted by the University of Southern California in 2019 and found that days with temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit saw an average 2.2% increase in overall crime and a 5.7% increase in violent crime compared to days below that temperature.
According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the times of day when violent crimes occur vary by age group.
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According to the organization, more than one-third of violent crimes committed by people under the age of 18 (murder, violent sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, simple assault and kidnapping) occur between noon and 5 p.m. For adults over the age of 18, 30 percent of violent crimes occur between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.
For the 2022 study, Vivint collected public crime data from 13 major metropolitan areas for the year and came up with a set of findings, including when certain crimes occurred most frequently.
For example, assault, robbery, vandalism, drug offenses, fraud, harassment, theft, motor vehicle crimes and larceny all occur most frequently between noon and 7pm, while crimes such as arson, assault, sexual assault and weapon-related incidents occur most frequently later in the evening. Vivint found that while most crimes in general occur during the day, violent crimes in particular occur most frequently at night.
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Violent crime is not related to any specific crime, but there are general safety measures you can take to protect yourself.
To avoid crime, avoid walking alone at night. (iStock)
The National Crime Prevention Council recommends avoiding early morning or late night walks or jogs, and if you do go out at night, make sure you go with someone.
Additionally, try not to carry more cash than you need for the day and avoid carrying valuables.
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If you feel like someone is following you, change direction, and if they continue to follow you, don’t stop until you reach a well-lit area, like a store or restaurant, recommends the National Council on Crime Prevention.
Other advice offered by the National Crime Prevention Council includes locking your car doors, parking in well-lit areas and never meeting alone with a former abusive partner.
