It's that time of year again.  Local police forces begin preparing for a spike in criminal activity that accompanies the commencement of the summer months.  "Criminals don't go on vacation during the summer months.  That's when activity tends to pick up on our end of law enforcement," said Lieutenant Ronnie Roberts from the Charlottesville Police Departments.  Undeterminable whether this increase can be attributed to the rise of schools being out for summer, or if it's because people are spending more time outside in general, it is important that you take the necessary precautions to protect your home and family.

Crime rates increase between six and sixteen percent, depending on the crime during summer months.  It has been documented that all crimes, in general, rise about 10% during summer months.  Teenagers get into more trouble with drugs and alcohol and become increasing involved with theft and assault.  Auto theft and burglaries are two main concerns of the police.  Service calls have jumped from 14,000 to more than 16,000 during the summer months in the past. 

Various people believe that heat causes people to become easily agitated and to over-react.  People are forgetting about common sense safety and precautions such as locking doors and windows of homes and cars.  As long as vacationers have a one-track mind of the beach, criminals have a one-track mind of getting into your home. 

Tied directly to the warmer weather, is the result of people getting out their valuables such as bicycles and lawn furniture.  Naturally, this creates more opportunities for potential criminals to commit theft.  

Purchasing a home security system is the perfect way to protect your property.  Driveway or door alarms and security cameras are the most affordable and practical purchases you can make.  Taking advantage of passive infrared sensors and metal sensing probes, it'll be impossible to miss approaching intruders with a driveway alarm in place.  Door alarms would also offer you protection for you and your family.  Activating chime tones when the door is opened, you will never be startled by unexpected individuals again.  Security cameras will provide you with the answers you require.  You present yourself the ability to review footage both during and after it takes place.  Criminals will have a hard time pulling a fast one on you with your state-of-the-art home security system!