Antioch police chief promotes #9PMRoutine

Residents encouraged to do safety check right before going to bed

Antioch is hosting a scavenger hunt that starts Oct. 15.

ANTIOCH – The village of Antioch is encouraging residents to help combat 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:

• Remove valuables (keys, wallets, cash, garage door openers, firearms, tablets, etc.) from you car.

• Make sure vehicle and home doors, including garage doors, and windows are shut and locked.

• Turn on exterior lights.

• “See something, say something.” Residents who witness suspicious activity are encouraged to call the Antioch Police Department dispatch at 847-270-9111. In the case of an emergency, call 911.

Antioch Police Chief Geoff Guttschow said the department started to promote the #9PMRoutine hashtag on social media earlier this year. He said 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,” Guttschow said in a news release.

Antioch Mayor Scott Gartner said the #9PMRoutine is a simple way to be proactive about crime.

“Many times, crimes involving stolen personal property are crimes of opportunity,” Gartner said in the release. “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 is promoted frequently on the Antioch police and village of Antioch Facebook pages.