Crime Doesn't Rise During Full Moon

Crime rises with the temperature and climbs during weekends—but not during the time of the full moon, illuminating new research reveals. Crime statistics for San Antonio helped criminologists shed some light on the deeply entrenched belief in what the researchers called "the lunar-crime relationship," reports USA Today. "Although popular culture, folk lore, and even certain occupational lore suggested the 'freaks' come out during full moons, this phenomenon was not reflected," the researchers wrote.

Among the events found not to be related to the full moon: homicide, suicide, "prison escapes," "hospital admissions for dog bite injuries," and "aggression among ice hockey players." But the findings may fall on deaf ears with an important constituency. "Research has shown that belief in lunar effects continued to be strong," the study's authors acknowledge, "including among police officers."
(More full moon stories.)