Link between moon and crime supported

Reuters

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION: Lunar property prices have risen by 40 per cent since the start of the year, even though the UN declared nobody can own real estate there.

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Justice Minister Annette King’s comments that the sun and moon are to blame for the spike in violent offences this January could be based on research.

North Shore police commander inspector Les Paterson didn’t want to comment directly on the minister’s comments but there has been some research that links a full moon making people feel much more active.

"Researchers thought it was possibly linked to an historic urge that prompted our early ancestors to hunt and gather food by taking advantage of moonlight," Mr Paterson says.

Last Thursday, National MP Simon Power reportedly said Mrs King is in denial if she believes the "sun and moon" are to blame.

"It almost beggars belief that someone with that level of experience could say something so ridiculous," Mr Power reportedly said.

North Shore MP Wayne Mapp says Mrs King’s comments are obviously a nonsense.

"I think the minister needs to get a grip on reality," Dr Mapp says.

The Wikipedia website says full moons are traditionally associated with temporal insomnia and insanity but says that studies are generally inconsistent, with some showing a positive effect and others showing a negative effect of a full moon on people.

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