MEXICO – Police Sgt. Roy Hodsdon said a significant increase in domestic complaints have come through the Police Department during the past week or so.

Five have been reported that did not result in arrests, and one will result in an arrest once the person is found.

“People need to walk away before things get out of hand,” he said.

He said cabin fever generally plays a role in such increases this time of year. This year, lost jobs, the fear of losing jobs, and money issues appear to figure into the mix, he said.

Unlike in the past, he said domestic complaints now happen at any time of day.

He said unless there is obvious physical abuse, which generally results in an arrest when police officers respond, they separate both people, interview them, and observe whether any material physical damage has occurred at the home.

“We recommend that they walk away and let things cool down. Things always look better the next day,” he said.

The department works with the Abused Women’s Advocacy Project and Detective Tom Harriman, who is the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office domestic abuse specialist.

Hodsdon said another sign that some form of domestic abuse may be occurring is sometimes identified through 911 emergency hang-up calls.