Rural crime continues to be a problem throughout Alberta, especially during the summer.
From June to August of 2018, almost 36,000 property-related incidents occurred in RCMP jurisdictions.
In an effort to combat crimes of opportunity, the Alberta RCMP has been sending nightly reminders via social media (Twitter @AlbertaRCMP) to help citizens remember to employ preventative measures against crimes, in what is called the #9PMRoutine.
The #9PMRoutine is a movement that was started by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, and has since become a worldwide phenomenon.
The movement encourages people to follow a routine checklist every night to double check their property and ensure everything is locked up and safe. Small things like locking doors and turning on lights can often deter criminals.
Some ideas given out by Alberta RCMP as things to include in your own 9 p.m. routine are: Turn on outside lights at night, lock your doors, put away any equipment or tools once you’re finished with them, and to double check that vehicles are locked and the keys are removed.
Since forming a habit takes between 21 and 66 days, the Alberta RCMP will be posting a 9 p.m. routine every night for two months. This will give Albertans a helpful reminder to follow a few of the tips listed above.
The Alberta RCMP hopes that these preventative measures, combined with community based programs like rural crime watches, will help in making Alberta a safer place.
If you want to join the #9PMRoutine movement you can follow @RCMPAlberta on twitter or @RCMPinAlberta on Facebook.
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