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Beep, beep! The 9 p.m. routine makes an impact on Highlands County vehicle burglaries

The Highlands County Sheriff's Office started promoting the 9 p.m. routine in August 2017, and since then has seen a drop in vehicle burglaries.

It’s a trend that’s sweeping the nation, and it all started right here in Florida - the 9:00 p.m. routine.

The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office reported that in one year, vehicle burglaries were down 38%. They credit the expression started and made popular by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

Highlands started promoting the 9 p.m. routine in August 2017 and has seen a drop in vehicle burglaries since.

“The 9 p.m. routine has been successful, but it is just part of what has led to the decrease in vehicle burglaries,” Sheriff Paul Blackman said. “Good work from our deputies and detectives have led to the identification of the people responsible for a lot of past vehicle burglaries, clearing most cases with an arrest. We also have had increased participation in our Neighborhood Watch program, as well as Project COP, a program that registers security cameras with the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office.”

The 9 p.m. routine has quickly spread to other agencies across the nation. It’s a post that people use at night at 9 p.m. that is shared on various social media platforms, reminding everyone to check that their valuables are secured and their doors and windows are locked.

Pasco County also saw vehicle burglaries went down 33-percent since they launched the campaign.

MORE: This viral hashtag is actually preventing vehicle break-ins

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