One of the most common calls for service that the Pasco Sheriff’s Office receives is to investigate a car theft or burglary. These are often crimes of opportunity. By eliminating opportunities of car- related crimes, there is less potential to become a victim. PSO encourages a daily habit of removing personal belongings from your car, and locking car and home doors at 9 p.m., known as the #9PMRoutine! Over the past several years, the #9PMRoutine as expanded across the globe, with check-ins coming from all 50 states and countries such as Brazil, Australia and the UK. Other law enforcement agencies have also spread the word of the #9PMRoutine in an effort to lower opportunities for crime in their communities.
When potential criminals cannot quickly enter a car, they’ll often keep moving. PSO encourages citizens to always to lock car doors, fully close car windows and secure their keys when parking cars. Easy access to car keys is the simplest way a criminal can steal a car. Never leave keys inside a car, even for a minute or two.. Push-to-start cars don’t require suspects to know where the key is, if its tucked away inside a car, such as a glove box or center console.
Leaving your car unlocked with a garage door opener inside can also give potential criminals access to your home, including your car keys and other valuables. Stolen items from unlocked cars are commonly used in other crimes, which is why its imperative to remove personal belongings and valuables every time you park your car.
Citizens can do quite a bit to minimize the risk of car burglaries and thefts. When parking, park leave your car in a locked garage or a lit driveway if possible. Avoid parking in isolated and poorly-lit areas with shadows and cover from larger vehicles, fences or plants. Take a moment to do a quick check of nearby surroundings.
If you see something, say something! Report suspicious activity in your neighborhood to law enforcement immediately. Provide the address, block number or location in a parking lot. Provide as much information as possible to identify the suspect, such as the suspect’s approximate age, height, weight, hair color and clothing description. If possible, note how the suspect left and in what direction. Additional details that describe the color, make, model, and license plate number are also helpful.
Citizens can help reduce the risk of becoming a victim of car thefts, burglaries or other crimes by completing the simple steps of the #9pmRoutine every night. Encourage those in your neighborhood or home to build good safety habits by locking up and securing their valuables. These simple tasks can have a big impact on crime.
Pasco Sheriff’s Office
727-844-7705
“A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.” – Charles Spurgeon