Summer is just around the corner, and that means that in a matter of weeks, kids and teenagers will be out of school and looking for ways to entertain themselves. Unfortunately, some of the things they wind up doing could get them into serious trouble.
For instance, some young people can end up accused of theft or other property crimes. As this article notes, certain types of property crimes increase by as much as 12 percent during the summer months.
- Burglary – Unlawfully entering someone’s home to steal property can be more common in summer. Homeowners are often away for longer periods of time and could leave windows open, making it easier to break in.
- Vandalism – When children are bored and have less supervision, they can make some destructive decisions. They might spray paint a building, smash windows or otherwise damage people’s property.
- Shoplifting – Young people often flock to places like shopping malls during the summer to escape the heat and hang out with friends. This environment gives them opportunity and access to stores, which can lead to an increase in shoplifting.
- Robbery – While there is no seasonal pattern in terms of robbery, young people can be accused of threatening someone with force to take property or money from that person. During the summer, young people might be out later and they may not have a job or other obligations, which can give them more incentive and time to commit this type of crime.
Each of these offenses can come with serious penalties, depending on the details of an alleged event. A young person might face fines, academic consequences and even jail time if convicted of a property crime in Tennessee, so it is crucial for parents take these allegations seriously and understand what is at stake.
Young people make mistakes, especially during summer when they feel carefree and spend more time hanging out with friends away from teachers, parents and school obligations. As parents, you can be understandably disappointed if your child is accused of a property crime, but your child has rights and a future worth defending.
