Ohio County Sheriff’s Office Urges Making Security Checks Part of Nightly Routine
The Ohio County Sheriff’s Office has kicked off its #9PMROUTINE campaign in hopes of raising awareness and promoting safer habits among residents to prevent thefts from vehicles, as well as homes.
To take part in the #9PMROUTINE, simply set an alarm on a smart phone, watch or other device as a reminder to do the following every night:
∫ Remove valuables (electronics, wallets, etc.) from a vehicle.
∫ Ensure that vehicle doors and trunks are locked.
∫ Check that all house and property exterior doors and garage doors are locked.
∫ Turn on exterior lights.
Also, Sheriff Tom Howard reminded the public that vacation time is an opportunity for burglars.
An empty house and a lack of preparation to properly secure a residence can make a home an easy target for thieves who recognize the clues of an absentee homeowner.
Howard suggests people follow the following home security to-do list before hitting the road, cruising the seas or racking up sky miles:
∫ Have the post office hold mail. Sign up for the USPS Hold Mail Service by visiting https://holdmail.usps.com/holdmail.
∫ Request a temporary stop of the newspaper. Nothing screams “no one is home” as do papers piled in a driveway or front porch.
∫ Place timers on lights and televisions to make it look like someone is home.
∫ Stay away from posting an absence online. Make an agreement with family members not to post vacation plans and locations on social media.
∫ Let a friend, neighbor or relative know before leaving and when returning.
∫ Lock it up. Make sure all doors and windows are locked and properly secured.
∫ Put away valuable jewelry, cash or anything that is easy for a burglar to quickly grab and stuff in clothes.
∫ Consider installing security cameras near vulnerable entrances to a home. There are many reasonably priced, easy-to-use systems on the market.
∫ Remember to set a home alarm before leaving.
∫ Make sure the alarm company has updated keyholder information on file.
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