As much as 90% of all garage and vehicle break-ins are due to unlocked vehicles or open garage doors. Thieves are looking for path of least resistance. If your garage door is open, especially if you leave it open consistently, you will likely experience theft. To combat this pattern of behavior, police departments have put together what is known as a 9 p.m. routine.
This week we are exploring what exactly a 9 p.m. routine is and what it may consist of.
What Is A 9 P.M. Routine?
A 9 p.m. routine is a series of steps that homeowners can get in the habit of going through every night as a means of theft prevention. The goal is to make the routine something that homeowners do automatically without having to think about it.
Police departments can tweet, post, or send reminders every night at 9 p.m. Homeowners can also be more self-reliant, setting a timer or reminder on their phones. 9 p.m. was chosen as the time because it is dark outside and many people are done going out and about for the night. Additionally, younger children are typically in bed before or at nine.
While the routine is designed to protect your whole house, the garage is a focus point of the plan. This is because the garage is considered a bit of a soft spot for home security. The exact pattern for your security measures may vary a little from the police’s suggestions. They may even vary from day-to-day or change if your house has a late-night event, such as a party.
Steps To Take
Everybody’s home is a little bit different, so your step-by-step may vary from this one. These steps are a basic guide that you can use to keep your home and family safe.
-
Let any pets out and take care of outdoor security.
This is the perfect time to turn on any outdoor switches for security lights. Additionally, take the time to double check and lock any gates that your property may have. If you have any outbuildings like a gardening shed, make sure that those are secure as well.
-
Make sure your car is secure.
Remove valuables and garage door openers from your car. If you cannot put them in your home for some reason, tuck them away so that they’re hidden. Lock your car doors.
-
Protect your garage.
Once your cars are secure, make sure that your garage is also safe for the night. Close your garage door and lock the door from the garage to your house.
-
Make sure that all doors and windows are locked.
All doors and windows that can access your home from the outside should be closed and locked tight. Pay special attention to sliding glass doors. Double check the doors with a quick push or tug.
-
Turn on an external light.
Whether you have official security lights or not, external lights are important to avoiding theft. Remember most thieves are looking for an easy job, and trying to steal things in full light is not easy.
