Fresno heat blamed for increase in domestic violence cases

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- As the weather warms up, Fresno police say they're seeing an increase in violent crime calls.

Chief Jerry Dyer says offenders tend to drink more alcohol in the summer months, which often contributes to domestic violence. He is urging victims to call and get help from police or women's shelters before it's too late.

"Identify it quickly and get help. Oftentimes the victims, which generally is a female, stay in those relationships far too long and hoping that it will get better, and seldom does it ever get better. In fact, what we have found in law enforcement is that the violence increases," said Dyer.

The chief also says his department is seeing a surge in overall crime this year; it's up 15 percent from the same time last year.