FIVE CRIMES COMMON DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

The holiday season may be a time for good will and generosity, but crime does not stop just for a celebration. In fact, the holidays often see a sharp rise in a few different types of crimes due to the nature of certain behaviors around the holiday time. In this blog, we'll examine a few of these crimes that occur commonly around the holidays.

SHOPLIFTING

With the economy still sluggish and the still rising cost of living, affording the holidays can be difficult for some people. In such situations, it is not uncommon for people to take advantage of a busy shop with distracted employee as a way to discreetly pocket items and leave without paying. To combat this issue, most stores increase their security and loss-prevention teams.

BURGLARY

Remember the bumbling burglars from the movie Home Alone? Those bumbling burglars surveilled a neighborhood to identify homes where residents had left before breaking in to steal valuables. This scenario is quite common today, with many burglars now using social media posts to determine who has left town, thus making those homes prime targets for burglary.

IDENTITY THEFT

Many people now do the majority of their holiday (and everyday) shopping online. As a result, tech-savvy criminals have discovered various methods to steal personally identifiable information from people buying gifts on the internet. This does not mean that you should not shop online; however, before entering any credit card information, ensure your computer is secure and free from viruses, malware, or key-logging software.

FRAUD/SCAMS

Does this perfect gift appear to have arrived at just the right time with an unbelievably great price? It likely is. During the holiday season, advertising usually ramps up, and scam artists often take advantage of this, catching people who are already in a buying mindset. Be wary of offers that seem suspicious or overly convenient, especially online.

DRUNK DRIVING

It's not uncommon for people to indulge in a bit too much eggnog or hard cider at a party and then decide to drive home. When this is combined with slippery roads due to bad weather, you create a recipe for a dangerous situation. During the holiday season, police usually step up their efforts to catch intoxicated drivers in an attempt to prevent such accidents from happening, leading to numerous DUI arrests and charges.

If you are charged with one of these five crimes or any other crime this holiday season, it is important to consult with a skilled Murfreesboro criminal defense attorney. We understand that sometimes criminal charges are brought against decent individuals who find themselves in unfortunate situations, and we work tirelessly to defend them and safeguard their future.

For a consultation about your criminal defense needs, call The Clarke Law Firm today at (615) 796-6299.