Seasonal Crime Trends in Central Florida: Understanding the Risks and Enhancing Personal Safety
Author: Renee Rose
Criminal Behavior Analyst & Victims Advocate
Clinical Forensic Psychology PsyD Candidate
© Shaan Saar LLC and The Shaan Saar LLC Security Group 2024 all rights reserved
As temperatures rise in Central Florida, the region sees an influx of tourists and outdoor activities. These seasonal surge often bring with them an increase in alcohol consumption and unfortunately, a rise in human aggression, violence, and certain criminal activities (Chol et al., 2024). Just knowing this can create worry and uncomfortable emotions for some, however understanding what the real life risk is gives you an advantage in knowing what to watch for, avoid, or distance yourself from.
Let's get into 3 real life situations experienced in the Central Florida area and briefly discuss how-to protect yourself, your community, and loved ones with evidence based training you won't find in any martial arts or karate dojo.
The following safety brief includes:
・Alcohol Related Incidents
・Property Crime
・Evidence Based Safety
Alcohol-Related Incidents
Warmer weather and increased tourism in Central Florida often lead to higher alcohol consumption, raising safety concerns in public spaces, nightlife districts, public roadways, and social gatherings. Alcohol-related incidents such as disorderly conduct, public intoxication, road rage, and physical altercations are common, with many escalating due to impaired judgment (Choi et al., 2024).
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol lowers inhibitions and reduces situational awareness, which makes individuals more vulnerable to danger or a targeted attack (NIAAA, n.d.). The combination of impaired decision-making and high-energy environments can quickly turn a moment of entertainment into a dangerous situation.
Recognizing early warning signs of trouble is helpful in maintaining personal safety. Being knowledgable in how-to read body language cues or de-escalate verbal aggression can help you identify potential threats, manage tense situations, and avoid unnecessary risks.
Evidence-based self-defense™ courses at Shaan Saar Krav Maga by the Shaan Saar LLC Security Group incorporate real life situational awareness strategies, to help you navigate even alcohol related incidents. Whether at one of Central Florida's beaches, festivals, or tourist hotspots, knowing how-to anticipate and react to alcohol related safety risks will give you the confidence and skills to breathe easy.
Property Crime
Tourist-heavy areas in Orlando, such as International Drive (I-Drive) and the vicinity of Universal Orlando Resort, have been associated with elevated crime rates, particularly property crimes. A study analyzing over 4,500 census blocks in Central Florida found that crime rates increased as proximity to Universal Orlando Resort decreased, with rates dropping approximately 14% for each kilometer moved away from the resort (Orlando Weekly, 2024).
In the I-Drive area, specifically within the 32821 ZIP code, the property crime rate is 52.2, significantly higher than the national average of 35.4 (BestPlaces, 2024). This heightened rate can be attributed to the dense concentration of tourists, who may be less vigilant and unfamiliar with local safety practices, making them attractive targets for opportunistic crimes.
Overall, Orlando's property crime rate stands at 3,803 incidents per 100,000 people, which is 94.2% higher than the national average (Neighborhood Scout Crime Data, 2024) . This underscores the importance of implementing effective crime prevention strategies in these high-tourism areas.
Personal safety courses can equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to mitigate risks in such environments. Taking a short evidence based self defense class at Shaan Saar Krav Maga Orlando by the Shaan Saar LLC Security Group will ensure you have the most current safety information to protect your property and loved ones.
Human Trafficking Concerns in Central Florida
Central Florida’s prominence as a major tourist destination regrettably makes it a focal point for human trafficking. The substantial influx of visitors provides a veil under which traffickers can exploit vulnerable individuals, often targeting women and children. In 2023, Florida reported nearly 2,100 human trafficking cases, with over 1,600 involving minors, making it one of the highest-ranked states for trafficking incidents (Florida Department of Children and Families, 2024).
Alarmingly, sex trafficking victims in Florida are often sold between 15 to 40 times per day, with the average age of initial exploitation ranging from 11 to 17 years old (WUFT, 2024). The widespread use of online platforms has further exacerbated this issue, enabling traffickers to groom and exploit victims remotely.
At Shaan Saar Krav Maga by the Shaan Saar LLC Security Group, we are committed to empowering individuals to safeguard themselves against such threats. Our Chief Instructor, Gabriel Mora, brings over two decades of experience in Krav Maga, combat sports, executive protection and private security complemented by Board Certification as a Human Trafficking Investigator and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Criminal Justice at the University of Central Florida. His real-life experience and extensive training uniquely position him to educate others on personal safety, self defense, and real life dangers of human trafficking .
Shaan Saar Krav Maga Orlando courses teach practical safety strategies, focusing on empowering students with knowledgeable instructors. Students learn to recognize early warning signs, avoid dangerous situations, understand use of force, and conceptual skills to defend themselves. By integrating real-life scenarios and Gabriel’s firsthand investigative insights, our training provides invaluable knowledge to enhance personal security in daily life.
Preventative Measures and Personal Safety Courses Central Florida
To mitigate these risks, individuals and communities can take proactive steps:
• Awareness Campaigns: Educating both residents and visitors about the signs of human trafficking and how to report suspicious activities is crucial. Learning to identify grooming behavior cannot be overstated. The Shaan Saar LLC Security Group offers on-site, no-contact corporate and group workshops and seminars. Learn More >>
• Enhanced Law Enforcement: Collaborative efforts among local, state, and federal agencies aid in the identification and apprehension traffickers, as well as provide higher levels of support for prevention. Learn to spot signs of grooming and coercion in our University Preparedness and Trafficking Awareness Courses.
• Community Engagement: Community members ought remain vigilant and report unusual activities and suspicious individuals to ensure early detection and prevention of violence, abuse, and trafficking. Learn how-to spot and properly document and report in Shaan Saar’s Awareness Courses.
Understanding important temporal and situational factors is essential for implementing effective strategies to combat crime and protect Central Florida. Please continue to follow and share the evidence based work of Shaan Saar Security Group and Shaan Saar Krav Maga.
References
BestPlaces. (2024). Crime in Orlando (zip 32821), Florida. BestPlaces. https://www.bestplaces.net/crime/zip-code/florida/orlando/32821
Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2014). Seasonal patterns in criminal victimization trends. https://bjs.ojp.gov/library/publications/crime-seasonal
CBS Miami. (2023, February 6). Florida ranks third in nation for human trafficking, report says. https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/florida-ranks-third-in-nation-for-human-trafficking-report-says/
Choi, H. M., Heo, S., Foo, D., Song, Y., Stewart, R., Son, J., & Bell, M. L. (2024). Temperature, crime, and violence: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Environmental Health Perspectives, 132(10), Article 106001. doi.org/10.1289/EHP14300
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (n.d.). Alcohol’s effects on the body. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohols-effects-body
NeighborhoodScout. (2024). Orlando crime rates and statistics. NeighborhoodScout. https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/fl/orlando/crime
Orlando Weekly. (2024). Researchers discover crime rates double within a mile of Universal Orlando. Orlando Weekly. https://www.orlandoweekly.com/arts/researchers-discover-crime-rates-double-within-a-mile-of-universal-orlando-26254265
WUFT. (2024, February 6). Florida ranks third in the number of reported human trafficking cases nationwide. https://www.wuft.org/public-safety/2024-02-06/florida-ranks-third-in-the-number-of-reported-human-trafficking-cases-nationwide
Self Defense Classes Orlando
Self Defense Classes Lake Mary
Interested in learning more? By developing self defense skills and awareness through a comprehensive course that covers topics like situational awareness, safety training, armed assailant, and more, individuals can better prepare themselves to handle potential threats effectively.
Martial Arts Training vs Personal Safety Courses
Evidence indicates that modern self defense training provides a practical advantage over traditional martial arts training (Ball & Martin, 2012). Research suggests that evidence based safety courses led by knowledgeable, qualified instructors focus on practical self-defense strategies tailored to real-life situations, enhancing individuals' ability to effectively protect themselves (Ball & Martin, 2012). This specialized training often includes situational awareness, de-escalation techniques, and legal considerations, providing a more comprehensive approach to personal safety compared to traditional martial arts training.
Unlike traditional martial arts, which often emphasize discipline, competition, and structured techniques, Evidence Based Self Defense™incorporates situational awareness, de-escalation strategies, and legal considerations, equipping individuals with a comprehensive skill set for self-protection. These findings reinforce how importance it is to choose self-defense training that is tailored to real-world scenarios.
Reference
Ball, K., & Martin, J. (2012). Self-defense training and traditional martial arts: Influences on self-efficacy and fear related to sexual victimization. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 1(2), 135–144. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0025745
Personal Defense Training for Teens
Personal defense training for teens, led by knowledgeable instructors, equips them with self-defense skills that are practical for real-life situations (Ball & Martin, 2012). Unlike traditional martial arts, these programs focus on awareness, boundaries, self efficacy, de-escalation, and immediate response techniques to enhance personal safety. Specialized training through the Evidence Based Self Defense™ program at Shaan Saar Krav Maga helps teens develop confidence and the ability to protect themselves in various scenarios they may encounter.
The Best Self Defense Class for Women
The best self-defense classes for women target real-life threats by combining personal defense concepts with situational awareness and de-escalation strategies to create a comprehensive safety approach (Ball & Martin, 2012). Programs at Shaan Saar Krav Maga Orlando emphasize the idea that self-defense is not just about physical strength but also about confidence and preparedness, empowering women to take control of their safety with more than just martial arts. At their core, our classes point to the significance of structured training that focuses on vulnerable targets and effective response techniques to enhance a woman's ability to defend her safety and if necessary, life.