Weather impacts crime

 

People may be less likely to commit certain crimes as colder weather approaches.

The relationship between weather patterns and criminal behaviour is one that has been studied for many years. This includes efforts by French sociologist Emile Durkheim in the 19th century and American sociologists Kenneth Chew and Richard McCleary in 2002.  

Locally, Sgt. Stephen Betteridge, public information officer for the Windsor Police Service, said weather affects the kinds of crimes committed, more than crime rates overall. 

“If you look at property crimes or break-and-enters or thefts from a vehicle when we have extremely cold weather, coupled with a lot of snow on the ground, most crimes may go down somewhat,” said Sgt. Betteridge.  

Betteridge also said, however, domestic disputes can increase when the same weather forces people inside. 

The connection between weather and crime also extends to seasonal mental health issues, as described by Windsor neuropsychologist Cory Saunders, 47.

“What has been found is that certain people require greater exposure to sunlight and if you’re not receiving enough, it can make people have a lower mood,” said Saunders. 

 He also said it may also influence crime rates. 

“There is a subset of people who have depression where their symptoms are expressed through anger. If you have somebody who is having a lot of anger-related symptoms, then those people might be more likely to lash out at certain times of the year,” said Saunders.