- Property crimes are among the most common criminal activities in the US, such as burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
- Protecting your property by installing motion-sensing lighting and security systems is an effective deterrent.
- Violent crimes, such as homicide, rape and sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and hate crimes, can be prevented by bringing attention to the situation.
- Drug offenses are becoming increasingly common through the availability online and illegal trafficking networks.
- Avoid illegal drugs by educating yourself on the dangers, avoiding people doing drugs, and reporting them to the authorities if necessary.
Crime continues to be an issue in the United States. Whether theft, assault, or other forms of malicious damage, crime can negatively impact your neighborhoods and communities. That’s why it’s important to know the most common crimes in the US and how you can help keep your neighborhood safe. Here are some of the most prevalent crimes in America and how we can work together to make our communities safer.
Property Crimes
Property crimes are one of America’s most common types of criminal activity. This includes burglary, larceny theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. These offenses involve taking property without consent from another person or stealing property from an area that is not open to the public. Here are ways to protect your property from these types of crimes:
Install Motion-Sensing Lighting
This serves as an effective deterrent to burglars. Motion-sensing lighting can alert you or your neighbors when someone is in the area. Motion-sensing lighting also helps add visibility to dark areas where burglars may want to remain hidden.
Install a Security System
Security systems are great for deterring burglars and monitoring activity on your property. Many security systems now come with smartphone applications so you can monitor activities from afar. Surveillance cameras also serve as excellent preventative measures, as they help identify the perpetrator if a crime occurs.
Know Your Neighbors
This is a way to create a community that looks out for each other. Knowing your neighbors helps foster a sense of security and trust in the area. It also serves as an additional layer of protection if someone you know notices anything suspicious or out of place around your property.
Replace Door Hardware
Burglars mostly use doors to gain entry into a home. It is also your way out. If the perpetrators enter and you must exit safely immediately, Rockwood door pull is a great way to ensure you can open your doors quickly and easily. These door pulls are made of heavy-duty steel and are designed to be easily opened in an emergency.
Violent Crimes
Violent crimes are another type of criminal activity frequently occurring in the US. This includes homicide, rape and sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and hate crimes. If there isn’t any presence of physical force, you can follow these tips:
Bring Attention to the Situation
If you witness someone being attacked, bring attention to the situation. Screaming or blowing a whistle can help deter attackers and draw onlookers who can assist.
Stay Alert
The best way to protect yourself from violent crimes is to be aware of your surroundings and avoid going out alone at night. If you do need to go out after dark, try to bring a friend along for safety reasons. Additionally, always trust your gut instinct; if something doesn’t feel right about a situation or person, don’t hesitate to move away quickly or call for help if necessary.
Drug Offenses
Drug offenses are also becoming increasingly common in America due to their prevalence on college campuses and their availability online and through illegal trafficking networks. Knowing the laws regarding drugs in your area and how they can affect you if caught is important. Here are some tips on how to protect yourself from drug offenses:
Avoid Illegal Drugs
The best way to avoid drug charges is to avoid illegal substances altogether. Educating yourself on the dangers of drugs and the severe consequences associated with possession can help to keep you from engaging in this kind of activity.
Avoid People Doing Drugs
If you suspect someone in the neighborhood is using or selling drugs, avoiding them and their company is best. This will help you avoid any potential charges associated with a person engaged in drug-related activities. Also, reporting them to the authorities is best to help keep your community safe.
Crimes are, unfortunately, a reality in the United States. However, by understanding the most common types of criminal offenses and taking the appropriate safety measures, you can help to protect yourself, your family, and your neighborhood. By working together and being aware of our surroundings, we can make our neighborhoods safer.
