The holiday season can be seen as the most wonderful time of the year, but it is also a time to take extra precautions, as it also brings with it a spike in criminal activity.
Traci Carrillo, an attorney with Perry Law, told KCBS that it is “an unfortunate pattern.”
“’Tis the season,” she said. “There’s definitely an uptick in crime.”
The biggest culprit is driving under the influence.
“We see, obviously, increased police presence, checkpoints, and unfortunately, people still disregard all of the warnings that are out there,” she said. “Do not drink and drive.”
Carrillo said it’s just not worth risking the expense, potential jail time and most of all, harming yourself or others. While many may be charged with a misdemeanor, it could be much much worse.
“After four DUIs, they can charge you with felony, and so that can be prison time,” she said. “If you are to seriously harm somebody, or even kill somebody while drinking and driving, it can be not only a serious felony, but you could go away for murder.”
The other crime that tends to increase is theft.
“The oldest and simplest of crimes, often crime of opportunity when you’re out shopping,” Carrillo said. “You’re leaving packages in your car, people see it and they’ll break through the window and grab what they can.”
Those indulging in online shopping are also urged to keep an extra eye out for the arrival of packages. Carrillo said the age of Amazon deliveries is prime season for “Porch Pirates.”