WATERVILLE – The nose-numbing cold that put Maine in the deepfreeze for much of January was enough to keep many Mainers in the warmth of their homes.

It also keeps crime rates down, law enforcement officials say. In fact, crime rates generally go up and down in tandem with the rise and fall of outdoor temperatures, according to Maine Department of Public Safety statistics.

“There’s no question that cold weather reduces crime,” said Deputy Chief Joseph Massey of the Waterville Police Department.

February is usually the month with the lowest crime rate in Maine, while July and August have the highest crime rates, according to Department of Public Safety statistics.

In 2003, Maine recorded 2,104 serious crimes in February and 3,387 crimes in July, a 61 percent increase over the span.

Steven Giorgetti, assistant professor of criminal justice at Thomas College, said criminals tend to be aware of their surroundings.

“They’re aware they may be leaving tracks in the snow that police can follow,” he said. “And they’re aware it’s harder to escape on a slippery winter surface. They can’t run and they can’t drive very fast, either.”

A month ago, a man who was caught red-handed during a burglary attempt at the Sts. Peter and Paul Basilica in Lewiston was critically injured when he slipped and fell while trying to escape. The man was found unconscious on a patch of icy ground.

Police say they have plenty to do in the winter, with icy roads, snowstorms and car accidents. But when the extreme cold hangs around long enough, police tend to have more free time.

Police say that’s a good time to catch up on paperwork or projects that may get ignored during busier times.

“When it’s real cold, it’s dead,” said Pittsfield police Officer Nicole Sprague. “It does get boring.”