University of Canterbury criminologist Professor Greg Newbold has warned people to be vigilant over summer especially between Christmas and New Year.
"There is always a rise in violence and disorder. Violence increases at Christmas as a result of greater amounts of alcohol being consumed, particularly around the Christmas and New Year period," Mr Newbold said.
"Fighting, rioting and general disorder are problems whenever young people gather together in groups to drink. There is also a rise in domestic violence associated with greater alcohol consumption and discordant couples spending more time together."
Property crime may also increase and burglaries may also increase as opportunistic burglars take advantage of people leaving their homes for holidays.
Police tips if you are going away on holiday:
Make arrangements for your mail and newspaper to be stopped or collected.
Hide valuable items, financial documents and spare keys to vehicles etc.
Lock your garage and any sheds.
Set timer switches on lights and/or radio.
Don't mention on your answering machine that you will be away from home.
Get a neighbour or friend to make regular checks on the property. They can even close curtains in the evening and turn lights on to give the appearance that someone is at home.
Take care when leaving empty boxes outside your home. They can give away details of new and valuable equipment that might be worth stealing.