Summer Temperatures Bring Increase in Crimes

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY - As temperatures climb, police said so do crimes.

Brian Johnson, the manager at the Penn Apartments in Oklahoma City said he found all sorts of crime near his address on News9.com's Crime Tracker map. That's why he said he has done what he can to prevent future dots on the map, including cutting down trees on the property to erase hiding spots for drug deals and thieves.

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Keith Scott, the security guard at the Penn Apartments, also works well beyond his shift to keep the area safe. He said the number one tool he uses to prevent crimes in the area has been his cell phone. He said he calls 911 when something just doesn't look right.

"I usually dial it probably one or two times a night, maybe three times," Scott said.

Police said Scott's vigilance is what people in all neighborhoods should take after, especially since officers often arrive after the fact.

"They've spoken to people at these scenes and come to find out from talking to these people, they might have seen something prior to what occurred," said Oklahoma City Police Sergeant Jennifer Wardlow.

A lack of prevention is what patrolling officers find at popular recreation areas like Lake Hefner. Police said they too often see wide cracked windows with purses in plain sight.

A packed parking lot with cars packed with valuables is the reason why Oklahoma City Police Sergeant Charles Epperly said auto burglaries have increased.

"They're cruising to find an easy target and (Lake Hefner) is just one of the many locations throughout the city," Epperly said.

Another place police said to be cautious this summer is in your front yard and leaving the garage door open. Officers warn just because you are at home doesn't mean you're not a target.

Police said eliminating the element of surprise and being vigilant are the keys to preventing crimes. And while officers said it sounds like common sense, an increased number of crimes this summer shows not everyone is following that sense.