The 9pm 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.

The routine is simple, every night before going to bed we want you to get in the habit of double checking that your vehicles, property and residence are secure.

Criminal opportunists are always looking for an easy theft as breaking in can cause noise and their time, so they could be disturbed.

During these dark hours criminal opportunists will often go down a street checking vehicles and houses for doors left open. By simply locking your door you could avoid waking up to an intruder in your home or finding someone’s been into your vehicle overnight.

The routine recommends: • Removing all valuables and garage door openers from vehicles. • Ensuring vehicles are locked, windows are closed and if possible, parked in a garage. • Closing overhead garage doors and any garage 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.