Imagine you go to the store on a hot summer day wanting to grab items to cool down and the parking lot is full and you’re rushing because you’re in a time crunch and want to grab these items before they sell out but you forget to lock your car. You come back out and your car is gone. What do you do? Did anyone see it happening? As a highly regarded Arlington Law Firm – Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC explains, there are crimes being committed every moment of everyday, although most are fortunate to not be negatively impacted by such crimes.
Crime Seasons
Believe it or not there are “seasons” where crime is occurring at its highest. We are currently at its highest crime occurring rate of the year. Many assume crime would be at its highest in December. Which is true but in the summer it is almost twice as much as December crime rates.
Summer Crime Rates
The main reason why crime rates are high in the summer is due to the fact that many are going on vacation. Since many are allowed to use their vacation time during the summer and the weather is starting to become unbearable. Many want to get away, relax, and cool down. There will be many vacant homes, cars, personal belongings, etc. It gives the offender the perfect opportunity to commit this crime. Why do you think there are many signs saying, “Hide your things, lock your car, take your keys” when going to large crowded areas. It is to help prevent crime from occurring. You may ask what kind of crime we are talking about here. The highest and most common crime occurring during this time is burglary.
Burglary Compared to Robbery
There is a difference between burglary and robbery. Many assume it is the same thing but in reality they’re somewhat similar but both have a slight difference. In our penal code in the state of Texas, burglary is when the person enters a habitat, building, etc. without the consent of the owner or not open to the public and commits or attempts to commit a felony, assault, or theft (Sec. 30.02). The penalty can vary by if the offender entered a building or a habitat. It can range from state jail felony up to a first degree felony.
Robbery & Aggravated Robbery
While robbery also has two kinds of offenses. There is robbery and aggravated robbery. Robbery is committing theft AND with the intent to obtain or maintain control of the property. By doing that the offender intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another. Or intentionally or knowingly threatens or places another in fear of imminent bodily injury or death (Sec. 29.02). The penalty for this offense is a second degree felony. While aggravated robbery is the same as robbery just instead of intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury; the offender actually causes bodily injury to another, and uses/exhibits a deadly weapon, or causes bodily injury to another person or threatens or places another person in fear of imminent bodily injury or death if the other person is 65 years of age or older or a disabled person (Sec. 29.03). The penalty for this offense is a first degree felony.
The Importance of Home Security
If you plan on traveling this summer, make sure your home is secure and if you’re able to install a security system, DO IT! With the new technology constantly being updated and many features there are many things you can control on your phone. You don’t want to come back to your property broken into. Even if you’re 3,000 miles from your home you will be able to control or see what is going on in and around your home. Enjoy your vacation without having to worry about someone trying to break into your property.
