Definition

Noun: A sudden, significant, and usually temporary increase in the number of criminal activities occurring in a particular area or society over a short period.

Usage

The term "crime wave" is used to describe a noticeable surge in criminal incidents that captures public and media attention. It is typically applied to a specific geographic location, such as a city or neighborhood, and implies a pattern or trend rather than isolated events. It often carries connotations of public concern and demands for a response from authorities.

Examples

• The city experienced a crime wave last summer, with burglaries increasing by over 40%.
• The police chief held a press conference to address the recent crime wave of car thefts.
• Many residents blamed the economic downturn for the crime wave sweeping through the town.
• The newspaper's front-page story about the crime wave caused widespread alarm.

Advanced Usage

• "to be in the grip of a crime wave": To be experiencing a severe and ongoing surge in crime.
  • The capital was in the grip of a violent crime wave.
• "to spark/trigger a crime wave": To cause a sudden increase in crime.
  • The factory closures are feared to spark a new crime wave.

Variants and Related Words

• Crime spike: A very sharp, often shorter-term increase. This term is sometimes used interchangeably with "crime wave," though a "spike" may suggest an even more abrupt rise.
• Surge in crime: A more general phrase meaning a rapid increase in criminal activity.
• Epidemic of crime: A metaphorical term emphasizing the widespread and contagious nature of the increase.

Synonyms

• Surge in crime
• Upsurge in crime
• Rash of crime
• Outbreak of crime

Antonyms

• Crime drop
• Crime reduction
• Decline in crime
• Lull in crime

Related Idioms and Phrases

• A wave of [specific crime]: A common construction to specify the type of crime increasing.
  • The neighborhood is dealing with a wave of vandalism.
• To ride the crime wave: (Journalistic) To report extensively on or be affected by a period of high crime.
  • The local news channel has been riding the crime wave for ratings.

Noun

1. a sudden rise in the crime rate