The Miami Springs Police Department is reminding residents to make the “9 PM Routine” a permanent part of their nightly schedules to help keep their homes, vehicles, and neighborhoods secure.
The campaign, which has been widely adopted by law enforcement agencies nationwide, is a simple but highly effective crime-prevention program designed to thwart “crimes of opportunity”—such as car burglaries and thefts—which are often committed against unlocked vehicles and unsecured properties.
The Miami Springs Police Department urges residents to complete their “9 PM Routine” nightly. (Photo credit: MSPD)
The Nightly Checklist
Before calling it a night, take a few minutes to complete this simple step-by-step security check, and follow the visual guide below from the Miami Springs Police Department:
1. 🔑 Take Your Keys
Never leave spare keys, house keys, or wireless key fobs inside your vehicle. Thieves can use these to easily steal your car or gain access to your home.
2. 🚗 Lock Your Vehicle
Ensure all doors are locked. A vast majority of vehicle burglaries occur on unlocked cars. Lock it or lose it!
3. 🎒 Remove Valuables
Do not leave backpacks, electronics, wallets, purses, cash, or other valuable items in plain sight inside your car.
4. 🔫 Remove Firearms from Vehicles
Never leave firearms inside an unattended vehicle. Stolen weapons are frequently used in other crimes, posing a serious safety risk to the entire community.
5. 💡 Turn on Exterior Lights
Keeping your driveway, front door, and home exterior well-lit is one of the easiest ways to deter criminals who prefer to work under the cover of darkness.
6. 👀 Look Around & Report Suspicious Activity
Be aware of your surroundings and look for any unusual or suspicious behavior in your neighborhood. If you see something, say something!
Small Steps Can Make a Big Difference
According to crime prevention experts, burglaries of vehicles are almost always crimes of opportunity. By practicing these simple steps every single night at 9:00 PM, residents can drastically reduce their risk of becoming a victim of crime.
“Small steps can make a big difference,” the Miami Springs Police Department stated in a public service message. “Make the 9 PM Routine part of your nightly routine and help us keep Miami Springs safe.”
The Miami Springs Police Department emphasizes that community safety is a shared responsibility. Residents who witness any suspicious activity are urged to report it immediately. For non-emergencies, you can reach the Miami Springs Police Department at 305-888-9711. For emergencies, always dial 911.
Have you completed your 9 PM Routine tonight? Set an alarm on your phone and make it a habit!
