(News Release from Abbotsford PD)
The Abbotsford Police Department will be ramping up reminders about the 9 p.m. Routine to help deter property crime in our community.
Property crime, including break and enters, theft from vehicles and auto thefts, occurs in all parts of our city. Theft from automobiles makes up 36% of property crime in Abbotsford. In many cases, simply removing valuables from vehicles and locking up property is enough to deter thieves.
The 9 p.m. Routine is a campaign that began in Pasco County, Florida, and is now used by police agencies across North America to remind citizens to protect themselves and their property. Over the past six months, the AbbyPD has been encouraging citizens to follow the 9 p.m. routine, and will continue to promote the program as we enter the holiday season.
“The routine is a relatively simple concept,” says Sgt. Judy Bird. “At 9 p.m., before going to bed, get in the habit of double checking that your vehicles, property and residence are secure. Offenders will often walk through neighbourhoods checking vehicles that are left open. By simply taking valuables out of your vehicle and locking it up, you may avoid the hassle and expense of having your property stolen.”
The routine recommends:
- Removing valuables from vehicles.
- Ensuring vehicles are locked, windows are closed, and if possible, parked in a garage.
- Closing garage doors and windows.
- Locking any person-doors in the garage, including those leading into a house.
- Checking that all house doors – front, back, side and garage – are locked.
- Ensuring all windows are shut.
- Turning on an exterior light.
The AbbyPD will be posting 9 p.m. Routine reminders on its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram social media channels.