Preventing Theft with the 9 p.m. Routine
Theft across the U.S. is on the rise. Awareness is key to avoiding victimization. FSA, along with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, wants to educate you on the 9 p.m. routine. The 9 p.m. routine started in Pasco County and has gone viral nationwide. A checklist for people to do before they go to bed, including going around the house and locking all doors, car doors, trunks, and turning porch lights on.
The idea is simple … you routinely set an alarm on your smart phone, watch or another device to remind you to:
- Remove valuables from your vehicle
- Ensure that vehicle doors and trunks are locked
- Check that gates to your property and doors to your home are also locked
- Turn on exterior lights
This is an easy straightforward approach to preventing criminals from preying on easy targets, and the early responses from communities has been positive, spurring discussions on the important topic of crime prevention. For example, residents have discussed strategies and tips with their friends and family to set reminder alarms and exchanging phone numbers with neighbors.
To join the 9 p.m. Routine and help spread the word to your community, follow the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and use #9pmroutine on Facebook.