Happy New Year Lilburn!
As we begin an incredible 2024, let’s take time to begin new habits that can make us safer and protect our property. Criminals are always seeking crimes of opportunity. It’s no secret that certain crimes are on the rise because they are so profitable - that is until the suspects get caught. There are some things we can all do every night that can reduce crimes and reduce chances of victimhood.
I’m talking about the “9 P.M. Routine.”
The 9 P.M. Routine was created in 2017 by a Florida Sheriff’s Office to educate the community about best safety practices. The campaign’s initiative is simple and straight forward: At 9 p.m., make sure to take your valuables out of your vehicle. Lock your car. Turn your outside lights on. Lock your house.
Pretty simple, right?
Vehicle break-ins are happening everywhere in the metro area. What is especially alarming is the number of firearms left in vehicles that are now on the streets and in the hands of criminals to commit other crimes.
These criminals are organized and have their plans well thought out ahead of time. My question to you: “Have you given a single thought to planning for such an activity?” If not, you’re behind the eight ball already and can be taken advantage by a false sense of security. Criminals look for areas they have hit before without being noticed. They look for where you park your vehicle and how they will approach and leave with little detection. These groups are normally dropped off with a getaway driver nearby. They can ravage a whole community in a single night.
You should have a routine every day to never leave a loaded firearm inside your vehicle. It’s just common sense. Plan ahead if you can’t take your firearm with you when you park your vehicle. The same goes for your valuables. Don’t leave your purse under the passenger seat. You’re not fooling anyone. If you plan beforehand and don’t want to take your purse inside, lock it in the trunk before you leave the house. Get in the mindset that someone is always looking. Be proactive. Observe your surroundings.
Use your garage if you have one. Make sure that the garage door is closed when not in use. Park your vehicle in it. Have motion lights on the outside. Pay attention to the lights and observe anything suspicious. Lighting is a sure deterrent to criminal behavior. Make sure your electric provider has fixed broken streetlights and report non-working lights. Follow up. Don’t just expect that it’s someone else’s problem.
Lastly, be sure to lock your vehicle and your house. Many vehicle break-ins occur by simply opening the door and rummaging through the vehicle. Don’t park on the street if you don’t have to and don’t leave the garage door opener inside the vehicle. This simply gives someone access to your garage.
Following this simple routine won’t take away the criminal’s desire to commit crimes but can drastically reduce the chance of becoming a victim. Report suspicious behavior and become active in a neighborhood watch with your local police department. Start a neighborhood watch by contacting your local police department and organizing one yourself if you don’t have one.
Stay safe Lilburn! And Happy New Year!