Police departments across the country post every night to remind people to do the 9PM Routine.
It encourages residents to protect themselves and their loved ones from becoming victims of crime by locking and securing their homes and vehicles every night at 9 p.m. The initiative also encourages people to lead by example and share through social media that they have completed the routine using the hashtag #9PMRoutine.
The 9PM Routine has a few simple steps:
1. Remove keys, wallets, cash, garage door openers and other valuables from vehicles.
2. Ensure vehicle and home windows are shut (and locked, if possible).
3. Close and lock doors on vehicles and homes.
4. Close overhead garage doors.
5. Turn on outside lights.
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The idea of "9PM Routine" is to encourage people to take a few simple steps every night at 9 p.m. to help prevent theft and keep their homes and vehicles safe. Burglars are criminals of opportunity. The easier it is to burglarize your home without getting caught, the more likely they are to commit the crime. If you make burglarizing your house a bit more difficult, you reduce the likelihood of your house getting hit.