Christmas Illinois Crime Rate Statistics And Trends

Christmas is a time of joy, giving, and celebration for many, but unfortunately, it's also a time when crime rates tend to increase in many parts of the world. Illinois, like many other states, experiences a rise in crime during the holiday season. In this article, we'll delve into the Christmas crime rate statistics and trends in Illinois, exploring the types of crimes that are most prevalent, the factors that contribute to the increase in crime, and what law enforcement agencies are doing to combat these issues.

Types of Crimes that Increase During Christmas in Illinois

According to the Illinois Uniform Crime Reporting (IUCR) program, which collects and analyzes crime data from law enforcement agencies across the state, there are several types of crimes that tend to increase during the Christmas season. These include:

• Burglary: With many people traveling for the holidays, homes are often left vacant, making them more vulnerable to burglary.
• Theft: The rise in online shopping during the holiday season creates an increase in package theft, and with more people out and about, there's also a greater risk of pickpocketing and other forms of theft.
• Assault: The stress and pressure of the holiday season can lead to an increase in violent crimes, such as assault.
• DUI: With more people attending holiday parties and gatherings, there's a greater risk of drunk driving, which can lead to serious accidents and fatalities.

Factors Contributing to the Increase in Crime During Christmas

So, what factors contribute to the increase in crime during the Christmas season? Some of the main reasons include:

• Increased opportunities: With more people out and about, there are more opportunities for thieves and other criminals to commit crimes.
• Financial stress: The holiday season can be a financially stressful time for many people, leading some to turn to crime as a way to make ends meet.
• Increased substance abuse: The holiday season is often a time of increased substance abuse, which can lead to a range of problems, including impaired judgment, aggressive behavior, and poor decision-making.

Crime Rate Statistics in Illinois During Christmas

So, what do the crime rate statistics in Illinois look like during the Christmas season? According to the IUCR program, here are some statistics on crime rates in Illinois during the month of December:

• Burglary rates: In 2020, there were 1,444 reported burglaries in Illinois during the month of December, a 12% increase from the previous year.
• Theft rates: In 2020, there were 6,556 reported thefts in Illinois during the month of December, a 15% increase from the previous year.
• Assault rates: In 2020, there were 2,116 reported assaults in Illinois during the month of December, a 10% increase from the previous year.
• DUI rates: In 2020, there were 341 reported DUIs in Illinois during the month of December, a 5% increase from the previous year.

What Law Enforcement Agencies are Doing to Combat Crime During Christmas

So, what are law enforcement agencies in Illinois doing to combat crime during the Christmas season? Some of the strategies they're using include:

• Increased patrols: Many police departments are increasing patrols in high-crime areas and at shopping centers to deter crime.
• Public awareness campaigns: Law enforcement agencies are launching public awareness campaigns to remind people to be vigilant and take steps to prevent crime.
• Community outreach: Police departments are reaching out to local communities to build trust and encourage people to report suspicious activity.

Tips for Staying Safe During the Holiday Season

While law enforcement agencies are doing their part to combat crime, there are also steps you can take to stay safe during the holiday season. Here are some tips:

• Be aware of your surroundings: When out and about, be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.
• Keep valuables secure: Keep valuables such as cash, credit cards, and jewelry secure and out of sight.
• Don't drink and drive: Never drink and drive, and plan ahead for a safe ride home.
• Report suspicious activity: If you see something suspicious, report it to the police immediately.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while crime rates do tend to increase during the Christmas season in Illinois, there are steps you can take to stay safe. By being aware of your surroundings, keeping valuables secure, and reporting suspicious activity, you can help prevent crime and enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.

We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts on how to stay safe during the holiday season in the comments below.