The Village of Antioch is encouraging residents to help combat suburban auto thefts and burglaries by participating in an evening routine of safeguarding personal property. The #9PMRoutine encourages a daily check of items just before bedtime. The campaign was created to educate residents about best safety practices, and help the community reduce preventable crimes.
Originated in Pasco County, Florida in 2017, the #9PMRoutine has been adopted on social media by law enforcement agencies across North America. The initiative offers a daily reminder for residents to:
1. Remove valuables from your car. (keys, wallets, cash, garage door openers, firearms, tablets, etc).
2. Make sure vehicle and home doors and windows are shut and locked. (Car doors, garage doors, etc).
3. Turn on exterior lights.
4. “See something, say something.” Residents who witness suspicious activity, are encouraged to call the Antioch Police Department dispatch at 847-270-9111. (Or, in the case of an emergency, 9-1-1).
Antioch Police Chief Geoff Guttschow says the department started to promote the #9PMRoutine hashtag on social media in early 2021. He feels now is a good time to increase the visibility of the program.
“With thefts and burglaries involving unlocked doors becoming a higher-profile issue in our area, we wanted to remind residents that adding a few simples tasks before bed could help them from becoming a victim of crime,” said Chief Guttschow.
Antioch Mayor Scott Gartner thinks the #9PMRoutine is a simple way to be proactive about crime.
“Many times, crimes involving stolen personal property are crimes of opportunity,” said Mayor Gartner. “Often, these crimes happen because someone forgets to lock a car door. The #9PMRoutine is one more safeguard to make residents of Antioch less vulnerable.”
The #9PMRoute continues to be promoted frequently on the Antioch Police and Village of Antioch Facebook pages.
