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4 Most Common Crimes During the Holidays

There’s no place on earth as exciting and frantic as New York during the holidays. Being busy takes on a new meaning, even for a New York criminal defense attorney. For many people, crime puts a damper on the festivities.

New York typically sees a spike in certain crimes during the holiday season. Security ramps up at many locations. Below are the four most common crimes during the holidays.

1. Pickpocketing and Shoplifting
Tourists flood the city this time of year and are often regarded as easy targets by pickpockets. Flash mobs can rush in and overwhelm store personnel. Stores prepare for shoplifters by increasing security during their busiest sales season. Expect stores to have a strict policy of prosecuting any shoplifters who are apprehended.

2. Vehicle Burglaries
Parked cars loaded with bags and packages might as well have a flashing “Steal from me now” sign. Locking car doors doesn’t stop a thief for very long. Blaring car alarms are ignored more often than not. If you plan on doing a lot of shopping, consider using cabs or getting a ride from a friend.

3. Porch Pirates
Everybody loves online shopping. The downside, especially this year, is porch pirates. Home security cameras occasionally catch a good picture of someone running up to the house and grabbing that big box dropped off by UPS. Porch piracy has become so prevalent that Amazon plans on sending customers emails with photos showing where their package was left. Fake booby-trapped packages are also being used this year to deter porch pirates.

4. Driving While Intoxicated
Police in New York are particularly on the lookout for intoxicated drivers during the last few weeks of the year. Holiday parties, after work celebrations and general celebrating put too many people behind the wheel when they shouldn’t be driving. New York is serious about prosecuting DWI/DUI charges.

Contact a New York Criminal Defense Attorney

The Williams Firm P.C. is ready to assist you if you’ve been arrested for these or other crimes. Our criminal defense attorney NYC has years of experience and will fight aggressively to protect your rights and freedom. Call Toll-Free: (646) 756-2894 to schedule a consultation now.