Rural crime in winter: Sense of threat

As the winter evenings draw in, most of us who live in cities, towns, or villages hardly change our routine. The curtains may be drawn earlier, heating turned on earlier to beat falling temperatures. Some of us prepare for an active hibernation.

The shorter days, however, mean far more for those living in isolated rural settings, especially those living alone or older couples living off the beaten track. For these people the darkness of winter can bring an atmosphere of threat.