Daylight saving time, a practice of changing the clocks twice a year, has sparked debate among individuals. Some are in favor of it, while others are against it. The time change has effects that go beyond just losing or gaining an hour of sleep. Research has shown that the spring DST change, where we lose an hour of sleep but gain daylight at the end of the day, can lead to a lowering of the risk of crime, including home break-ins and burglaries. This is because burglars often target homes during the middle of the day when they believe the house will be empty. However, with the extra hour of daylight provided by DST, burglars are deterred from striking during the evening hours when it is dark. Studies have indicated that crimes such as robberies, murders, and rapes decrease significantly during the evening hours with the implementation of DST.
One research study conducted by Jennifer Doleac and Nicholas Sanders found that the extra hour of daylight gained through DST can lead to a decrease in crimes like robberies by as much as 27%. This reduction in crime during sunset hours translates to saving approximately $246 million in social crime costs every year. The decrease in reported crimes such as murder and rape is even more significant, with murder reports decreasing by 48% and rape cases dropping by 56% during the evening hours. The impact of DST on crime rates is substantial, leading to a safer environment for individuals and their homes during the extended daylight hours.
While the benefits of DST in terms of crime reduction are evident, the end of daylight saving time in the fall can have adverse effects on home crime rates. A comparison of crime rates conducted by home security company Vivint revealed that home burglaries and related crimes increased by 16% when DST ended in the fall. Despite the inconvenience of adjusting our clocks twice a year, it is essential to acknowledge the role of DST in keeping homes and individuals safer. Bright streetlights can also contribute to reducing theft incidents, as individuals are less likely to engage in criminal activities in well-lit environments. Investing in security cameras with floodlights can provide a similar effect in deterring burglars and enhancing home security.
While installing personal street lamps on public roads is not a feasible solution, individuals can explore options such as smart floodlight cams like those offered by Blink to enhance their home security. These devices offer an affordable and effective way to monitor and protect your home. By implementing security measures such as floodlight cameras and following tips to deter burglars, individuals can further reduce the risk of home break-ins and theft incidents. Ultimately, daylight saving time not only impacts our sleep schedule but also plays a crucial role in influencing crime rates and enhancing overall safety in our communities.
