Across the nation, law enforcement agencies are employing a novel strategy to combat crime during the sweltering heat wave: asking criminals to take a break. One suburban Chicago police department even went as far as officially canceling criminal activity due to the extreme temperatures. The question remains: are would-be offenders heeding the call?
“It is just too hot to be outside committing crimes,” the Park Forest Police Department declared in a Facebook post on Friday. The department appealed to “all aspiring criminals, seasoned veterans, and those who find themselves committing crimes out of boredom, to please stay indoors.” Their suggestion? Friday was the perfect day to “Netflix and chill, literally, with the air conditioner set to 68 degrees.”
With temperatures soaring and many areas hitting triple digits, the sentiment was echoed elsewhere. A baseball broadcaster covering a Chicago Cubs versus San Diego Padres game even suggested an intermission to allow players to cool down.
Meanwhile, the Braintree Police Department in Massachusetts adopted a similar approach. “It is straight hot as soccer balls out there,” they posted on Facebook Friday night, urging anyone contemplating criminal activity “to hold off until Monday.” Instead, they recommended binge-watching season 3 of “Stranger Things,” according to Masslive.com.
The Braintree PD added, “We will meet again when its cooler.”
Park Forest PD followed up with another post, stating that Officer Justin Malachowski was grateful to everyone who canceled their planned crimes and stayed inside. “Because of you, he got to enjoy a cold and delicious afternoon Slurpee from 7-Eleven without interruption,” they said.
The entire Chicago area was under an excessive heat warning Friday and Saturday, with heat index values potentially reaching 115 degrees in some areas, NBC 5 Chicago reported. Windy City temperatures reached 99 degrees on Friday. On Saturday, the Park Forest Police continued to advise potential wrongdoers to remain indoors. “The crime cancellation is still in effect until tomorrow, so please no ‘criminaling,’” the department stated. It seems even criminals need a break from the heat.
It remains to be seen if this lighthearted approach will have a lasting impact on crime rates, but for now, it offers a humorous respite from the serious business of law enforcement. Perhaps other departments will adopt similar strategies during future heat waves or other extreme weather events. The police are nothing if not adaptable.
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