AMARILLO, TEXAS -- With a homicide investigation and four robberies and other crimes happening this weekend in Amarillo, it's been one of the busiest for the police department in quite some time.
So why the increase in crime?
Pronews 7 spoke with the City's Police Department to get some perspective. They say the spike in crime is expected during the summer. That's because warmer temperatures, mean more people are out and about, and in public places.
"You know there's a lot more outdoor activities, I know that and of course, there's an increase in the consumption of alcohol and anytime you have people out and people consuming alcohol there is always going to be an increase in crimes committed by people. It reduces their ambitions and we see more violent crimes," said Sgt. Brent Barbee, Amarillo Police Department.
Sgt. Barbee says this weekend has been one of their busiest with a large number of violent crimes, spread out through a 36 hour period.
He says generally the department has 30 to 35 officers on duty during peak hours, including the weekend. He adds, they're consistently evaluating those numbers, and this weekend's spike in crime highlights that importance.
"If we see a specific crime trend specially if it's related to a geographically area then very often we apple extra officers through the use of shifting of man power to either be more available quickly or just suppress crime by their presence," said Sgt. Barbee.
Sgt. Barbee also adds, it's important people stay aware of their surroundings and of the situations they're involved in to prevent, he says it will help keep them from becoming a victim of crime.
"Sometimes people are involved in situations or with other people that increase their chances of being a victims. Either, they're involved is a situation with really bad people, narcotics, or activity like that but sometimes people are just in the wrong place at the wrong time."
He also says people need to refer to that old saying of trusting your gut feeling, it too is a good indicator that you need to avoid a place or situation.
