Crime Spikes when Daylight Saving Time Ends, Study Finds
Nov 07, 2023, 11:00 AM
A recent study by Vivint, a smart home company, has shed light on a concerning trend in the United States: a surge in various types of crimes following the end of daylight saving time (DST). Based on FBI data recorded between 2017 and 2021, the study reveals alarming statistics and suggests potential solutions to address the issue.
The study's findings indicate a consistent increase in both the percentage and total number of crimes committed in the weeks following the transition from DST. Notably, robberies saw a staggering 64.4% spike in likelihood, while vehicle thefts followed closely with a 61% increase in probability. The raw rise in robberies amounted to a startling 81%.
Break-ins also witnessed a 16% surge during this period. However, homes equipped with security systems experienced significantly fewer burglaries compared to unprotected residences.
These findings align with previous research that suggests maintaining daylight saving time throughout the year could reduce specific crimes, especially robberies, by extending evening daylight hours. A 2015 study by the Brookings Institution revealed that eliminating the practice of "falling back" could potentially reduce robberies by 27%, as criminals are less likely to strike in well-lit environments.
Furthermore, a 2012 study by Jennifer Doleac and Nicholas Sanders found that robberies, murders, and rapes all decreased following the "spring forward" transition, emphasizing the importance of adequate daylight in crime deterrence.
Joseph Giacalone, a retired NYPD sergeant and professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, commented on the study's implications, saying, "Most crimes happen under the cover of darkness, that’s why things like broad daylight shootings are so shocking to the public." He also noted that many burglaries occur when people leave their homes for work or school, often in the morning when it is still dark after turning the clocks back.
To address the increased crime risk after DST ends, the Vivint team recommends taking proactive security measures, including installing exterior lighting, ensuring windows and doors are locked, and closing curtains and blinds at night.
The issue of biannual clock changes has also gained attention in the U.S. Senate, where the Sunshine Protection Act was introduced last year. The proposed legislation aims to eliminate the need to "fall back" every November and make daylight saving time permanent. Senator Marco Rubio, who introduced the bill, described the practice of changing clocks as "obsolete, confusing, and unhealthy."
Senator Rubio cited the Brookings Institution's research on robberies and argued that year-round daylight saving time would not only reduce crime but also lower car accidents, boost the economy, and mitigate seasonal depression and other illnesses. "We feel safer when we’re walking in the daylight, and it’s easy to imagine why light might have a deterrent effect on crime: offenders know they’re more likely to be recognized and get caught if they’re fully visible," the Brookings researchers noted.
Despite the potential benefits, the House of Representatives has yet to pass the Sunshine Protection Act. Senator Rubio remains optimistic, stating, "This Congress, I hope that we can finally get this done."
As clocks officially turned back at 2 a.m. on Sunday, concerns about the consequences of falling back have again come to the forefront of public discourse. The study by Vivint serves as a stark reminder of the need to address the impact of daylight-saving time transitions on crime rates in the United States.
The study's findings indicate a consistent increase in both the percentage and total number of crimes committed in the weeks following the transition from DST. Notably, robberies saw a staggering 64.4% spike in likelihood, while vehicle thefts followed closely with a 61% increase in probability. The raw rise in robberies amounted to a startling 81%.
Break-ins also witnessed a 16% surge during this period. However, homes equipped with security systems experienced significantly fewer burglaries compared to unprotected residences.
These findings align with previous research that suggests maintaining daylight saving time throughout the year could reduce specific crimes, especially robberies, by extending evening daylight hours. A 2015 study by the Brookings Institution revealed that eliminating the practice of "falling back" could potentially reduce robberies by 27%, as criminals are less likely to strike in well-lit environments.
Furthermore, a 2012 study by Jennifer Doleac and Nicholas Sanders found that robberies, murders, and rapes all decreased following the "spring forward" transition, emphasizing the importance of adequate daylight in crime deterrence.
Joseph Giacalone, a retired NYPD sergeant and professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, commented on the study's implications, saying, "Most crimes happen under the cover of darkness, that’s why things like broad daylight shootings are so shocking to the public." He also noted that many burglaries occur when people leave their homes for work or school, often in the morning when it is still dark after turning the clocks back.
To address the increased crime risk after DST ends, the Vivint team recommends taking proactive security measures, including installing exterior lighting, ensuring windows and doors are locked, and closing curtains and blinds at night.
The issue of biannual clock changes has also gained attention in the U.S. Senate, where the Sunshine Protection Act was introduced last year. The proposed legislation aims to eliminate the need to "fall back" every November and make daylight saving time permanent. Senator Marco Rubio, who introduced the bill, described the practice of changing clocks as "obsolete, confusing, and unhealthy."
Senator Rubio cited the Brookings Institution's research on robberies and argued that year-round daylight saving time would not only reduce crime but also lower car accidents, boost the economy, and mitigate seasonal depression and other illnesses. "We feel safer when we’re walking in the daylight, and it’s easy to imagine why light might have a deterrent effect on crime: offenders know they’re more likely to be recognized and get caught if they’re fully visible," the Brookings researchers noted.
Despite the potential benefits, the House of Representatives has yet to pass the Sunshine Protection Act. Senator Rubio remains optimistic, stating, "This Congress, I hope that we can finally get this done."
As clocks officially turned back at 2 a.m. on Sunday, concerns about the consequences of falling back have again come to the forefront of public discourse. The study by Vivint serves as a stark reminder of the need to address the impact of daylight-saving time transitions on crime rates in the United States.
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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com