It’s not an urban legend: crime rates do in fact in the summer in the U.S. A study found that, with the exception of robbery and auto theft, rates of all violent and property crimes are higher during the summer than during other months. The study examined data collected during 8 years, which included violent and property crimes that did not result in death, both reported and not reported to the police.

   The data show that, though the national crime rate dropped by 70 percent during recent years, seasonal spikes in summer remain. In some cases those spikes are 12 percent higher than rates during seasons in which the lows occur. The phenomenon confuses many criminologists, and they wonder why.

    Some reason that increased temperatures, which drive many out of doors and leave windows open in their homes, raise the amount of time when homes are left empty. Others point to the effect of students on summer vacation who are otherwise occupied with schooling during other season, while some argue that suffering heat-induced discomfort simply makes people more aggressive and likely to act out.

    Although these elements possess certain persuasive power, their rationality is called into question when cases in winter are put on the map. Why aren’t the rates in winter falling if heat related factors are to blame for the summer spike? Contrarily, the matter should be viewed from social and economic angles rather than on solar terms.

   Numerous studies have shown that rates of criminal behavior among young adults drop when their communities provide them with other ways to spend their time and earn money. This was found to be true in Los Angeles, where gang activity was reduced when community centers for teens were thriving and active. And generally speaking, the connection between economic inequality and crime is robustly documented for the U.S. And why summer sees a worse situation? It’s probably because it’s even harder for youngster to land jobs that provide for life necessities.

     So if officials want to address the summer spike in crime, they may act differently instead of aiming straight at crimes. Simply upgrading security and severely punishing offences almost produce void effects. Instead, be open to various options and they will find that development of job hunting agencies or community professional training centers are accompanying the drop of crime rate without seasonal exceptions. After all, bread always comes first for everyone.