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As temperatures rise, so do property crime rates. From residential burglaries to commercial theft, the warmer months bring an annual increase in break-ins, vandalism, and theft across the United States.
Understanding property crime summer trends is the first step toward better crime prevention. Whether you’re preparing your home for vacation or securing a business that will be closed over the holidays, a seasonal security check can help protect your property before crime statistics spike.
The Summer Spike: What the Data Says
Seasonal crime patterns are well-documented by law enforcement agencies and researchers alike.
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, burglary and larceny offenses historically peak during the summer, especially in July and August. Multiple city police departments—including those in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago—report higher rates of property crimes like break-ins, theft, and vandalism between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
A 2023 study published in the International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology also found that U.S. cities with noticeable temperature shifts see significantly higher property crime rates during warmer months, reinforcing the FBI’s long-standing data trends.
Why Property Crime Increases During Summer
Several factors contribute to the rise in property crime during summer:
More Vacant Homes
With families heading out for road trips, long weekends, and extended vacations, homes often sit empty for days or weeks. Visible signs of absence—like uncollected mail, dark windows at night, and unattended lawns—make homes easy targets.
Increased Unsupervised Activity
School breaks mean more unsupervised youth at home during the day. Unfortunately, this sometimes correlates with increased incidents of juvenile property offenses.
Longer Daylight Hours
While longer days feel safer for many, they also give burglars more time to scout neighborhoods without drawing suspicion.
Unsecured Entry Points
Summer heat often leads homeowners to leave doors and windows open for ventilation, creating easy opportunities for intruders.
Commercial Closures
Businesses that close for holidays or reduce hours during summer weekends can also become easy targets, especially if surveillance systems or alarms aren’t properly monitored.
Most Common Targets for Summer Property Crime
Understanding what criminals typically go after during summer months can help you focus your security check:
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Backyard Sheds and Storage Units: Often overlooked and fitted with weak locks.
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Unattended Vehicles: Both in residential driveways and commercial parking lots.
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Commercial Properties Closed on Weekends: Empty storefronts, warehouses, and construction sites.
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Homes Showing Signs of Vacancy: Overflowing mailboxes, unlit interiors, and unmowed lawns send clear signals to burglars.
Outdoor equipment like grills, patio furniture, and bicycles also become frequent targets during the summer.
Want better exterior coverage? Read: Best Camera Angles to Watch Your Property While on Vacation
Security Gaps That Put You at Risk
Even if you already have a security system, you could still have vulnerabilities that make your property attractive to criminals.
Here are some common gaps:
Inadequate Camera Coverage
Many homeowners only monitor the front door, leaving side gates, garages, and backyards unprotected. Businesses often neglect back entrances or delivery areas.
Poor Outdoor Lighting
Dark corners around your property make it easy for intruders to approach unnoticed. Without motion detection lighting, your outdoor areas remain at risk.
Outdated Locks
Many older locks are vulnerable to bump keys or bolt cutters. Weathered hardware also loses strength over time.
Unprotected Outdoor Assets
Grills, tools, ladders, and even HVAC units are common targets during summer months.
Lack of Real-Time Alerts
Without a smart system offering mobile notifications, you may not know there’s a problem until it’s too late.
How to Prevent Summer Break-Ins: Actionable Tips
Here’s how to protect your home and business from becoming a statistic during summer crime season:
1. Conduct a Comprehensive Security Check
Before July arrives, review:
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All doors and windows for proper locking and weatherproofing
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Camera placement and functionality across entry points
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Motion detection lighting zones
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Alarm system tests, including mobile app notifications
2. Upgrade Locks and Entry Point Hardware
Install tamper-resistant, weather-rated locks on all external doors, sheds, and access gates. Check window locks and replace any that show signs of rust or corrosion.
For businesses, reinforce storage areas and loading dock doors.
3. Improve Your Surveillance System
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Install cameras with wide-angle lenses for broader coverage.
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Use outdoor cameras with night vision and motion-triggered recording.
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Choose systems with cloud backup for remote footage storage.
Need help selecting products? Explore our Video Surveillance Collection.
4. Automate Lighting and Access Control
Set smart lighting schedules to simulate occupancy while you’re away. Motion-activated exterior lights near driveways and backyard areas deter suspicious activity.
If you own a business, mobile-enabled access control systems let you manage building entry remotely—ideal for keeping properties secure during weekend closures.
5. Involve Neighbors or Employees
For homeowners:
Ask a trusted neighbor to collect mail, mow the lawn, and keep an eye on your home.
For business owners:
Assign key staff members to receive and respond to alarm alerts when you’re off-site.
Final Tip: Stay Ahead of Summer Crime Trends
While annual national crime trends may fluctuate, summer remains the highest-risk season for property crime. A timely security check, coupled with smart upgrades to your security system, locks, and surveillance equipment, can make a substantial difference.
Ready to strengthen your property’s defenses? Shop All Security Equipment’s security solutions today and stay ahead of this summer’s crime trends.
