By HEATHER WALTERS
The Colleton County Sheriff’s Office is implementing a new campaign to help deter property crimes in Colleton County.
Called the “9 p.m. Routine,” this routine is an international crime prevention initiative. It was first created in 2017 by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office in Florida. This routine encourages citizens to protect themselves from becoming victims of crime by locking and securing their homes and cars every night at 9 p.m. This initiative also encourages citizens to be proactive in crime prevention through leading by example.
“Property crimes are crimes of opportunity. Thieves want to take what they can, as fast as they can,” said Colleton County Sheriff Buddy Hill. “Often prime targets are unlocked vehicles with expensive items in plain view, such as purses, computers, cell phones, and wallets, or a dimly lit home with unlocked garage or house doors,” said Hill.
According to CCSO records, property theft crimes tend to rise during warmer months.
“With spring fast approaching, now is a perfect time to get a head start on a good habit,” said Hill. Simply following this routine helps reduce the chances of someone becoming a victim of property crime,” he said.
In 2019, there were 1,039 property crimes committed in Colleton County. This includes eight arsons; 202 burglaries; 164 cases of property damage or vandalism; 111 cases of fraud; and three impersonation cases. This also includes 446 cases of larceny or theft.
In 2020, there were 1,059 reported property crimes committed in the county.
This includes six arsons; 166 burglaries; 196 cases of property damage or vandalism; 87 offenses of fraud; and three impersonation cases.
This also includes 131 cases of theft from a motor vehicle and 595 additional cases of larceny.
To help deter property crimes in the county, the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office recommends the following “9 p.m. Routine:”
Remove keys, wallets, cash, garage door openers, and other valuable items from vehicles. Roll up windows and lock the doors.
Bring in or secure all valuables in yard.
Close and lock garage doors.
Close and lock doors on house.
Ensure all windows in home are shut and locked.
Turn on outside lights.
Park in a well-lit area.
Post that you’ve completed the #9PMRoutine on Twitter and tag @ccsocares.
The CCSO is sharing the “9 p.m. Routine” reminders on social media sites Twitter and Nextdoor to encourage all residents to be proactive in crime prevention, and to show potential criminals that the county’s residents “won’t tolerate property crimes in their neighborhood,” said Hill.
Colleton residents are also encouraged to help spread the word of this new campaign on their own social media outlets by using the hashtag #9PMRoutine. “Tag @ccsocares to let us know you’ve completed the routine,” said Hill.
If you or someone you know observes suspicious activity in your area, call the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office at 843-549-2211 or dial 9-1-1.
