Top 5 Holiday Crimes Matthew Konecky

While the holidays should be the merriest time of the year, the holiday season also brings skyrocketing crime rates along with it. According to reports from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), two specific types of crime increase in December: robbery and personal larceny. These two crimes increase by approximately 20 percent during the last month of the year. While these crimes increase, more violent crimes such as murder typically do not increase during this time. These are the top 5 most common crimes that peak during the holiday season. 

Shoplifting

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the malls are still packed as ever in the United States with many individuals starting their holiday shopping. Unfortunately, those who cannot afford to buy gifts may resort to shoplifting. With the influx of shoppers, shoplifting occurs more rapidly as many believe they have a better chance of getting away with stealing from stores that are especially busy. 

Identity Theft

With so many transactions occurring during the holiday season creates an increase in identity theft, specially stolen credit cards. Now more than ever, tens of millions are shopping online creating the ability for your identity or bank account information to be easily recorded and stolen. This stolen information can then be used to make purchases, apply for credit cards, or even extortion in extreme cases. 

Here are some tips on how to protect your identity when holiday shopping online in 2020:

  • Always choose credit over debit
  • Use disposable prepaid credit cards
  • Verify website security (look for the lock icon next to the URL)
  • Don’t shop on a shared device in public
  • Don’t store sensitive information on your computer

Internet Scams

Have you been waiting for that 2020 holiday TV deal? With the holiday season comes big deals and sale events which can lead to internet scams. If you think you may be getting the deal of a century on a purchase, do additional research before providing any sensitive information such as your credit card. If a deal seems too good to be true, there is a good chance it most likely is!

Domestic Violence

Now more than ever, families have been stuck at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This increased time spent together creates a risk for an uptick in domestic violence, especially during the holiday season. When families and friends come together, old issues tend to come about. Domestic violence tends to spike during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years' every year. 

DUI

Drive sober or you'll get pulled over this holiday season! Christmas and New Years' tend to see some of the most DUI arrests of the year. While many like to party, celebrate, and have a great time, you should do so responsibly. It only takes a few drinks to impair your ability to drive, so remember to use a ride-sharing app such as Uber or Lyft this holiday season.

If you or a loved one has been arrested during the holiday season, contact us immediately at (561) 671-5995 or click here to contact us and our experienced criminal defense attorney will provide the help you need. You can also download our free guide 'My Loved One Has Been Arrested: What’s Next?'.

Helping clients throughout South Florida in Palm Beach County, Broward County, and Martin County.

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