Ongoing nationwide studies, for decades, have indicated that the “After-school Gap,” a period of approximately 20 to 25 hours each school week when children are out of school and parents are at work, is the time when a significant number of juvenile crimes are committed in most, if not all, communities.
During the summer months, when school is out, delinquent behavior reaches its yearly peak. Juveniles tend to stay out later in the evening…sometimes into the early morning hours…when the following day is a non-school day.
On June 17th, Lee County Schools dismissed their students for the summer. While the vast majority of children are involved in productive, harmless and lawful activities, a small percentage of these juveniles will use this time to engage in unlawful behaviors.
Crimes of opportunity involving unlocked vehicles tend to increase in volume during these summer months. Juveniles often travel in groups or packs, roaming streets and communities, testing door handles on cars, trucks and recreational vehicles. A number of commercial vehicles have been targeted, of late, and valuable tools and equipment have been removed.
Sheriff Carmine Marceno urges Lee County residents to diligently ensure that all vehicle doors are locked…that all valuables and firearms are removed and brought indoors during the overnight hours…and that neighbors look after one another’s homes and property.
All suspicious activity should be reported. Individuals roaming your neighborhood streets during the evening hours, lights and noises in and around construction areas after dark, slow-moving cars that appear to be involved in illegal activity, vehicles in driveways of unoccupied homes, etc., should be reported to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office or to your local law enforcement agency.
Your concern and willingness to help keep your community safe will make a significant difference! See something, say something…make the call!
