Is Crime On The Rise In Ocean County?

There has been considerable buzz on Facebook and other social media sites lately about what appears to be a sudden increase in criminal activity in areas of Ocean County.  Much of that has to do with cars and even homes being broken into which leaves victims feeling totally violated and concerned about their future safety.

Yes there was a time when we didn’t even need to lock our doors at night.  I can clearly remember my father leaving the keys to his car in the ignition in our driveway, something you would not even think about these days.  Most of us check to make sure all our doors are locked before going to sleep at night and local police departments are constantly reminding residents to not only lock their cars but make sure nothing valuable is visible.

Let’s be honest…this is not the Ocean County many of us grew up in which was an alternative to living in urban areas where crime was a constant.  So why have things changed, especially over the last 20 years or so?  There is no clear-cut answer but rather a combination of factors.  There has been growth in some communities although not everywhere.  Are the people who have moved here in recent years different from those who came in the 80’s and 90’s?  I don’t have an answer for that one but I’m sure some have strong opinions on this.

Clearly what is happening here is also happening in many towns and communities across the country.  I don’t know if the pandemic has had anything to do with it but it just seems like there is more criminal activity and often from people who don’t even live here.

Whatever it is we have a right to be concerned because most of us just want a good place to raise our families.  Is that too much to ask.

PS-Make it harder on these low-life's by at least locking your cars and homes at night!