Florida Holds Top Spot for Christmas Season Burglary Rates, Study by Law Firm Reveals

As the Christmas season brings festive cheer, it also attracts unwanted criminal activity, particularly in the form of burglaries. A new study has revealed that Florida ranks as the state with the highest burglary rates during this period, with almost four times the national average of burglary incidents per 100,000 residents. This finding, compiled by Las Vegas-based injury law firm Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, offers a stark reminder for homeowners in Florida to take extra precautions during the holiday season.

Florida’s Alarming Burglary Rates During December

The study, which analyzed burglary data collected from the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, focuses on incidents occurring in December—often referred to as the Christmas season. By averaging burglary rates over four years (2020-2023), the research found that Florida leads the nation with 88.5 burglary incidents per 100,000 people. This statistic is significantly higher than the national average, which stands at just 22.5 incidents per 100,000 people. With an estimated 19,526 burglary attempts each December, Florida’s burglary rate is cause for concern among residents.

Key Findings from the Study

In addition to Florida’s troubling position, the study sheds light on other states with higher-than-average burglary rates during the holiday season. Below is a breakdown of the top 10 states for burglary incidents per 100,000 people in December:

1. Florida – 88.5 burglary incidents per 100,000 people
2. Washington – 46.6 burglary incidents per 100,000 people
3. Oklahoma – 45.0 burglary incidents per 100,000 people
4. New Mexico – 41.0 burglary incidents per 100,000 people
5. Arkansas – 39.3 burglary incidents per 100,000 people
6. Louisiana – 38.5 burglary incidents per 100,000 people
7. Nevada – 34.9 burglary incidents per 100,000 people
8. Colorado – 33.1 burglary incidents per 100,000 people
9. North Carolina – 31.8 burglary incidents per 100,000 people
10. South Carolina – 31.5 burglary incidents per 100,000 people

In contrast, New Hampshire recorded the lowest burglary rate, with just 4.4 incidents per 100,000 people in December between 2020 and 2023, making it the safest state during the Christmas season.

The Importance of Securing Your Home

The data highlights the importance of securing homes, especially in states like Florida, where burglary rates are alarmingly high. Ramzy Ladah, owner of Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, commented on the findings, emphasizing the need for homeowners to take proactive steps to protect their properties:

“Florida homes are almost twice as likely to be struck by a burglary attempt during the Christmas season compared to states like Washington, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Homeowners should secure their properties, install outdoor lighting systems, and collaborate with neighbors to monitor any suspicious activity.”

With the increase in burglary attempts during the holidays, residents must be vigilant. Simple measures such as installing security cameras, ensuring all doors and windows are locked, and utilizing motion-sensor lighting can make a significant difference in deterring criminals.

Tips for Protecting Your Home This Holiday Season

• Install Motion-Sensor Lighting: Bright, automatic lights around the home can deter burglars from approaching.
• Secure Doors and Windows: Ensure all points of entry are locked and consider reinforcing door frames with additional security hardware.
• Use Smart Security Systems: Cameras, alarms, and smart locks offer peace of mind and can alert you to any suspicious activity.
• Get Involved with Neighborhood Watch Programs: Monitoring and communicating with neighbors can provide added protection and awareness of unusual activities.
• Don’t Advertise Vacations on Social Media: Posting about your absence on social media can attract burglars. Save those updates for after you return.

Conclusion

The study by Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers reveals a concerning trend in Florida, where residents face a heightened risk of burglary during the Christmas season. Florida’s burglary rate, nearly four times the national average, highlights the importance of taking preventive measures to secure homes. While Florida takes the top spot for holiday burglaries, other states like Washington, Oklahoma, and New Mexico also report significant burglary activity. By implementing security strategies and remaining vigilant, homeowners can protect their properties and enjoy a safer holiday season.

For more detailed crime data and burglary rates across the U.S., the full study and sources can be found through the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer and U.S. Census Bureau.

Stay safe this holiday season and protect your home from burglars who want to take advantage of the festive rush.