Seasonal Crime Trends: What to Watch For In The Fall

As the crisp air of fall sets in, many of us are gearing up for seasonal festivities, from Halloween celebrations to holiday shopping. However, with this shift in seasons also comes a rise in specific crimes. Understanding these seasonal crime trends is crucial for individuals and businesses to protect themselves against potential threats. Whether it’s burglary during holiday travel or the spike in scams and fraud targeting online shoppers, being prepared is the best defense. In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common crimes to watch for in the fall and provide actionable tips to safeguard your home, business, and personal information.

1. Burglary During Holiday Travel

One of the most common seasonal crime trends that increase in the fall is home burglary. As people leave town for holiday gatherings and travel, homes are left vacant and vulnerable to theft. Criminals often target neighborhoods where they know residents are likely away for extended periods, especially around Thanksgiving and the lead-up to Christmas.

Prevention Tips for Homeowners:

• Install a Security System: Visible security cameras and alarms can deter burglars. Make sure to prominently display signs indicating your home is monitored.
• Light Timers and Motion Sensors: Set lights on timers to give the appearance that someone is home, and install outdoor motion-activated lights to discourage unwanted visitors.
• Hold Your Mail: A pile of mail or newspapers is a dead giveaway that no one is home. Contact your local post office to hold your mail while you’re away.
• Ask a Neighbor for Help: If you trust a nearby neighbor, ask them to keep an eye on your house, collect packages, or park their car in your driveway occasionally to make it seem like someone is home.

2. Retail Theft and Shoplifting

Retail theft tends to rise in the fall as stores prepare for holiday shopping. The increase in foot traffic during this busy shopping season creates more opportunities for shoplifters. Smaller businesses, in particular, can be targets of organized retail crime, where groups plan to steal items in bulk.

Prevention Tips for Businesses:

• Enhance Store Security: Ensure your retail store has surveillance cameras positioned in high-traffic areas and near entrances/exits. Security personnel or loss prevention officers should also be more visible during peak shopping times.
• Train Staff: Train employees to recognize suspicious behaviors and implement security protocols. Quick and effective responses to suspicious activity can stop potential theft.
• Use Anti-Theft Devices: Attach security tags to high-value items and use locked displays for smaller, easily concealable products.

3. Scams and Fraud Targeting Holiday Shoppers

With the rise of online shopping during the fall months, scams and fraud become a significant concern for consumers. Cybercriminals take advantage of the influx of shoppers and deal seekers by creating fake websites, phishing emails, and fraudulent advertisements to steal personal information or payment details. Fake charities and holiday-related scams, like too-good-to-be-true deals, are also rampant during this time of year.

Prevention Tips for Consumers:

• Shop on Trusted Websites: Stick to well-known online retailers and avoid clicking on suspicious links. Double-check URLs for small discrepancies that could indicate a fraudulent site.
• Beware of Phishing Emails: Cybercriminals often send out fake order confirmations or shipping notices. Never click on email links from unfamiliar sources; instead, go directly to the retailer’s website to confirm your order status.
• Use Credit Cards for Purchases: Credit cards offer more fraud protection than debit cards, and you can dispute fraudulent charges more easily.
• Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions, especially during the busy holiday season.

4. Identity Theft

Identity theft often spikes in the fall as more people shop online and participate in holiday events that require personal information. Whether criminals are stealing credit card information or using phishing scams to access Social Security numbers, the effects of identity theft can be devastating and long-lasting.

Prevention Tips for Individuals:

• Use Strong Passwords: Always use unique, complex passwords for each of your online accounts, and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
• Monitor Your Credit: Sign up for credit monitoring services to receive alerts of any suspicious activity on your accounts. Early detection can help prevent further damage.
• Shred Sensitive Documents: If you receive paper statements or sensitive mail, shred them before disposing of them to prevent criminals from accessing your personal information.

5. Package Theft

The increase in online shopping during the fall and winter months also leads to a rise in package theft. Thieves known as “porch pirates” often follow delivery trucks to steal packages left at front doors, knowing that people order more items during the holidays.

Prevention Tips for Package Theft:

• Use Delivery Lockers: Many retailers now offer the option to have packages delivered to secure lockers at grocery stores, pharmacies, or other accessible locations.
• Install a Video Doorbell: A doorbell camera can help you monitor deliveries and deter thieves from stealing packages from your porch.
• Request Signature on Delivery: When possible, require a signature for package deliveries so that items aren’t left unattended.

Stay Vigilant Against Seasonal Crime Trends

The fall season brings a unique set of challenges when it comes to seasonal crime trends. Whether you’re a homeowner preparing for holiday travel, a business owner bracing for increased retail theft, or a consumer navigating the digital landscape of online shopping, staying vigilant is key. By understanding these trends and taking proactive steps, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim during the fall months.

At O’Brien & Associates, we’re committed to providing expert security and investigative services to help you safeguard your home, business, and personal information. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in preparing for the holiday season and protecting against potential threats.