South Carolina Summer is Nearly Here!
Summer brings:
- swimming
- boating
- surfing
- hiking
- fishing
and an uptick in violent crime.
Yes, you read that right.
In summer months, crime rates go up!
Most of our readers live and work in either Horry County or Georgetown County – just like we, owners at Strand Security, do – and this all makes sense
More Daylight. Warmer Weather. Opportunity for Crime Rises.
While you would think that winter and darkness invite more crime, it’s the exact opposite.
Most home invasions happen between the hours of 10 AM -2 PM anyway!
As people spend more time outdoors, they are exposed to more people and thus crime rates can go up, especially in places where petty theft opportunities start (beach, boat docks, outdoor restaurants, tourist shopping strips etc.)
As far a summer crime spikes, here are the three most common reasons!
1
When looking at when violence was significantly higher, it turns out that during the summer crimes rates spike, compared to winter, spring and fall seasons.
Unfortunately, that includes crimes like rape and sexual assault, robbery, and aggravated assault. Among adults, simple assault is also more common in summer than in other months.
How to prevent this from happening to you?
- Go out in groups
- Have a plan, know where you are headed!
- Be aware of where you go and where you park
- Don’t wear expensive watches or jewelry, or flaunt them if your do
- Don’t bring wallets or purses to the beach and leave them unattended
- Share your location with friends and family when going on vacation
- While running or walking, don’t wear earbuds or headphones
You can not prevent all crime, but you can be vigilant about preventing crime. Most criminals go for unsuspecting victims and look for opportunities: they are not looking to confront hyper-aware people!
2
As the summer season heats up, so do property crimes. More tourists on the Grand Strand means more vehicles, more people and more possessions! Household burglary rates go up in summer as more vacation homes are now occupied!
Burglary is 11% more common in the summer than in the winter and for our area in South Carolina that makes total sense. Homes that are empty in winter, now have people with electronic equipment, computers, expensive phones, bikes, boats and surf boards, just to name some property that is easily stolen!
If you are vacationing on the Grand Strand, or have ‘toys’ like boats, bikes and surfboards, make sure to lock them up when you are not around! Crime of opportunity is always there, but with extended daylight hours, there is more time for criminals to steal!
3
Next, let’s address beach crime. With over 60 miles of beachfront on the Grand Strand, beach crime rates increase drastically in summer months, as more people come to Myrtle Beach to vacation. While it’s tempting to bring ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ to the beach, especially if you have a large family, let us recommend you leave valuables at home, or in a safe at your vacation rental!
Beach crimes are an equal opportunity crime! No matter who you are, if you leave your things on the beach unattended you run the risk of getting your things stolen. Chairs, shoes but also surf boards, wallets, purses and phones!
TO be safe, always leave someone at your beach station to watch over your things, or leave all valuables behind. Don’t assume that those around you will speak up when someone will try to walk off with your property. Most beach-goers don’t and won’t as they might not see it, or not know whether to intervene, or not.
Preventing petty beach crime is as easy as not bringing anything of value with you for a day of fun!
4
As mentioned in #2, the nicer weather brings us outside with our outdoor toys. Boats, surf boards but also motercycles, bicycles, basketball hoops, eBikes, sports equipment, tools and surround sound home systems. Yes, your nice new Sonos speaker could be stolen as well.
The first line of defense is a home security system with both indoor and outdoor cameras, the second line of defense is locking thing up when not in use! We know this is easier said than done because… kids! Right? We know kids leave bikes out, toys out and forget to put them back inside.
A home security system, a security sign, visible security cameras – these deterrents all help prevent crime of opportunity!
Don’t become a Summer Crime Statistic!
Prevention, prevention, prevention.
Now that you’ve read this blog, be aware. Share with your family. Make a plan. We encourage you to have fun, but also choose your activities wisely and always lock up expensive toys and sports equipment as well as all your tech!
If you need help, give us a call! Stay safe and have a wonderful summer.
