Reducing Crime With The #9PMRoutine!
Many vehicle and home burglaries happen simply because a door is unlocked or valuables are in plain sight. These crimes are often preventable, and that’s where the #9PMRoutine comes in. This Pasco Sheriff’s Office initiative is a nightly reminder to remove all valuables from your car and lock the doors to your vehicle and home. Your #9PMRoutine can also include additional protective measures to reduce crimes, including home and auto burglaries or vehicle theft.
To fully understand why the #9PMRoutine works, it helps to learn about a well-known law enforcement concept called the “Triangle of Crime.” Three factors are required for a crime to occur: ability, desire and opportunity. It only takes breaking one side of the triangle to prevent crime. While you can’t control a potential criminal’s desire or ability, you can eliminate opportunity. Therefore, adding the following steps to your #9PMRoutine will go a long way in reducing opportunity.
TRIANGLE OF CRIME
Auto burglaries and theft start the moment you park your car. Park in a well-lit and highly visible area or park in a garage to make your vehicle less accessible to criminal activity. Remove items from your car to eliminate your chances of being targeted. When you leave your valuables in plain sight, you also risk your stolen items appearing in other crimes, like fraudulent credit card use. Ensure you remove your car’s key fob from inside the vehicle, even when parking in a garage. A popular feature in many cars is a keyless entry system that unlocks your car automatically when you are close by, so avoid leaving your key fob near your garage door or windows. Finally, don’t forget to actually lock your car. When doors are locked and windows are closed, thieves are likelier to move on.
When it comes to eliminating opportunities for home burglaries, there are protective measures you can take outside and inside the home. For the exterior of your home, ensure all outside doors and windows have working locks. Keep spare keys with a neighbor, not near your door. Have a functioning light near all exterior doors. Ensure gate latches and fences are in good working condition. Consider a secondary lock for sliding glass doors. Keep plants near windows trimmed to eliminate hiding places. Make sure items like bikes, grills, lawnmowers, or other valuables are secured when not in use.
As for inside the home, walk around your house with the eyes of a burglar. Remove valuables that are visible from windows to reduce your home’s chances of being targeted. Think of the expression “out of sight, out of mind,” and consider securing your valuables in a safe. Make your home appear occupied by setting lamps to automatic timers. Before turning in, double-check that all exterior doors and windows are locked and ensure your garage is closed.
The final steps for reducing crimes of opportunity are to be vigilant and report suspicious activity. As the saying goes, if you see something, say something! Provide the date and time you saw unusual activity, and include as much information as possible to identify the suspect. Don’t hesitate to report any behavior that seems out of place. You could be protecting your friends, family and neighbors from becoming victims.
By practicing the #9PMRoutine every night, you’re doing more than locking a door; you’re protecting your loved ones, your belongings and your peace of mind. Don’t let opportunity knock — lock it out with the #9PMRoutine!
The post Reducing Crime With The #9PMRoutine! appeared first on Pasco Sheriff’s Office News.
