Statistics show that globally, crime peaks often coincide with tourism peaks.
Police say the same is true for Esperance, where during the warmer months the campgrounds and carparks fill to capacity with travellers.
The increase in people who tend to be more relaxed and complacent with their belongings when they are in “holiday-mode” opens the door for opportunistic thefts of a greater scale.
With the beginning of summer around the corner, Esperance police Senior Sergeant Chris Taylor is encouraging everyone to keep in mind that crime rates do increase in warmer months and that they should act accordingly to avoid becoming a victim.
“Don’t become complacent,” Snr Sgt Taylor said.
“History shows it’s during summer that more opportunistic crimes occur.
“People don’t secure their property and their vehicles.”
With the Shire’s current efforts to promote more year-round tourism in Esperance, will there be the possibility of more crime along with more people visiting outside of the typical tourist season?
Snr Sgt Taylor said although it could not be presumed, crime rates tend to also be seasonal.
Research shows despite population increase, crime rates are still higher when the weather is warmer.
Rutgers University along with many other research groups have said this is largely due to increased opportunity for people to be out and about.
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