The holidays are a time of joy spent with family and friends. Most people have time off from work in order to enjoy the wonders of the holidays. However, there are some people who still go to work during this time. Criminals and burglars don’t seem to rest during “the most wonderful time of the year.”
According to a report by CNN in 2013, some cities see an increase in burglaries and robberies during the two weeks following Christmas. The average loss in a Christmas-related home burglary approximately totals $1,600.
Bowling Green experiences an influx in crime after the holiday. BGPD Lt. Dan Mancuso has worked as an officer serving the community for 21 years and has noticed many criminal trends.
“We see holiday break-ins occur because criminals know when students are on break. The community loses a significant portion of the population, making houses easily accessible,” Mancuso said.
Some areas in the community are at a higher risk for criminal activity than others. Houses located on East Wooster Street and the Bentwood Estates are at higher risk for theft based on location.
Stopping criminals who commit crimes around Christmas has been an issue in previous years for the BGPD.
“When someone breaks in on Christmas, it is hard to pinpoint the exact date of access,” Mancuso said.
Objects stolen during a break-in are even harder to relocate for the BGPD generally because the victim is unable to provide proper documentation of valuables, such as a serial number, useful for tracking.
University students can ensure safety by making a patrol request or a residential security request by calling the BGPD for assistance. Officers will be understanding because Bowling Green is a unique case.
“Our community is different because you know when students won’t be at school, making for an easier target for criminals.” Mancuso said.
The BGPD advises students to do the following before leaving during long weekends and holiday breaks to ensure the safety of individuals and their personal belongings:
1. Lock all doors and windows.
2. Close blinds completely.
3. Use timer lights in the evening to serve as a deterrent for criminal activity.
4. Lock up or take all valuable items.
5. Do not broadcast holiday plans over social media.
Safety is the number one priority of the BGPD. By adhering to the guidelines listed above, the Bowling Green community can be better prepared to prevent and thwart criminal activity.
