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Crime spree

UK //kraɪm spriː//US //kraɪm spriː//

Definition

A series of criminal acts committed in quick succession.

In simple words: A series of crimes committed in a short time.

Examples

  • The city was shaken by a crime spree that lasted for weeks.
  • Local law enforcement is investigating the recent crime spree in the neighborhood.
  • During the summer, there was a crime spree involving several thefts and vandalism.
  • The police caught the suspects after they committed a crime spree over the weekend.
  • News outlets reported on the crime spree that left citizens in fear.

Usage notes

Use this phrase to describe multiple crimes occurring closely together in time. It's often used in news reports. Less common in casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

noun + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'spree' as a rapid burst of activities, like sprinting through a list of crimes.

Collocations

  • commit a crime spree
  • stop a crime spree
  • investigate a crime spree
  • report a crime spree
  • witness a crime spree

Synonyms

  • criminal wave
  • crime wave
  • illegal activities
  • criminal spree
  • felonious spree

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'crime scene', which refers to the location of a crime.
  • Used as an adjective, e.g., saying 'crime spree activities' instead of just 'crime spree'.
  • Mixed up with 'spree killing', which refers specifically to multiple murders.