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Five Common Crimes to Know This Holiday Season

With the holidays right around the corner, the festive time of the year is coming; however, with this time of the year also comes an increase in crime rates. Poor decisions can sour the holiday mood and while it is impossible to completely stop crime, knowing about the common holiday crimes can help everyone remain safe.

Theft

One of the most common crimes that dominate the holiday season is theft. This can take the form of shoplifting, pickpocketing, and other types of theft. Businesses, customers, and pedestrians need to make sure they keep an eye on their valuables as they shop for holiday gifts and presents. Many stores will hire extra security guards; however, shoppers and customers need to remain vigilant as well.

Vehicle Break-Ins

Vehicle burglaries happen far more often during the holidays than at other times of the year. Many criminals expect they are going to find something valuable if they bust into someone’s car. One of the most common places cars and other vehicles are targeted is near shopping centers, where cars are likely to be filled with gifts. Burglars are often staking out the area, looking for a person who drops off gifts in their car.

Porch Burglars

Often called porch pirates, many people are doing their Christmas shopping online. Year after year, this becomes more and more popular. When the delivery person arrives to drop off these gifts, the owner may not be home. As a result, gifts are left unattended on the porch where someone can swing by and steal them. Make sure to take measures to safeguard the porch from porch pirates.

Decoration Destruction

Most people know what it’s like to drive by Christmas decorations and be wowed by the display. At the same time, there are also people who will damage or destroy these gifts. Perhaps it’s revenge against a neighbor. Maybe it’s out of pure boredom. Regardless, destroying someone’s Christmas decorations is not a practical joke. This is actually a crime. Someone who vandalizes someone else’s Christmas decorations might actually end up spending their holiday season in a jail cell.

Driving Under the Influence

Perhaps the most damaging decision someone can make during the holiday season is driving while under the influence. Too many families have their Christmas season ruined by a drunk driver and law takes this crime very seriously. Even though Christmas wine, eggnog, and other festive drinks are a great way to get the party going, a DUI will rapidly kill the party mood. It is simply not the risk of a DUI conviction, a massive fine, losing a job, and tearing someone’s family apart.

Rely on an Experienced Salt Lake City Criminal Defense Attorney

This holiday season, it is important for everyone to take steps to remain safe. If you or someone you know needs the help of an experienced Salt Lake City criminal defense attorney, rely on the team at Wasatch Criminal Defense Lawyers. We will vigorously defend your rights without judgment, working hard to place you in a position to be successful. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you.

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Craig R. Chlarson

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